T W H N 18,2015OhNo!NotAnotherVisioningProcess!

In the previous Herald newsletter, you read a communication from the GrowingWithHopeCore‐Teamdescribingaprogramthatourchurchisparticipatingin.Aspartof theprocess,theCoreTeamhasbeenassignedhomeworktoidentify(ordevelopifnotreadilyidenti iable) a list of core values thatWesley holds. Since the Core Team started doingthis homework, a common responsewehave receivedhas been: “haven’twedone thisbefore?”Ihavetoadmit,IfeltabitwearywhentheGrowingWithHopeprogramtrainersaskedustodothishomework.Itooaskedthesamequestion.

Since I have been with you at Wesley, we have gone through a visioning process outof which came our church’s Five Areas of Passion: (1) SpiritualGrowth, (2)HospitalityandWelcome, (3) DiversityandMulticulturalism, (4) MissionandOutreach, and (5) LayLeadershipDevelopment. I have personally been askingmyselfwhether these ive areasofpassionareourcorevaluesbyanothername. If theyare, then thequestiononmanypeople’sheartshasbeen:“Sothenwhat?”Whatistheendgoal?Whathappensnextwiththesecorevalues/areasofpassion?Thisiscertainlythemorechallengingquestion.

In another communication from Church Council, the question was raised about thedifference between technical change and adaptive change. Since I have been here, wewent through another discernment process where we conducted a SWOT analysis.Outof thisanalysisofourstrengths,weakness,opportunitiesand threats,we identi iedwhat Lisa Fagerstrom called “low hanging fruit.” Low hanging fruit were projects orideasthatwecoulddoontheinterimthatwereofverylittlecost.Afewtechnicalchangeswere introduced but, unfortunately, a big part of the challenge we faced is that thesetechnicalchangeswereoftennotfollowedbyanadaptivechangetosupportit.

You may remember the illustration given of the two people who underwent heartsurgery:oneperson followedthatsurgerybychangingher lifestyle–changingdietandexercising – while the other quickly resorted back to old (unhealthy) ways. This iswhathappensoftenwhenchangeisintroduced.Changeisdif icultandsometimesscary.Oftentimesthetransitionperiodleavesusfeelingrestlessanduneasy.Thingsoftenfeelchaoticandanxietyisusuallyhigh.Thechallengeandinvitationistostaythecourseeveninthemidstofallthedif iculty,uncertainty,anddis‐ease.

TheGrowingWithHope Core Team and I recognize that, while we have done previousvisioninganddiscernmentprocesses,thechallengewefaceisstayingthecoursewithanydirectionwediscern.TheworkwearedoingthroughGrowingWithHope isnotintendedtobe“new”and“different”but isseekingtobuilduponthefoundationspreviously laid.

Continued on page 3...

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L A F ...TheRosewindowlightingforNovemberisgiveninlovingmemoryofCliffordS.Duxbury,Jr.byNancy,Beth,Craig,andTinaDuxbury.TheTowerlightingforNovemberisgiveninlovingmemoryofWilliam&MinaWarmanbyArlineBenoit.ThealtarflowersonSunday,November22ndaregiveninlovingmemoryofHarrySpencer,Jr.bytheushersofWesleyChurch.

W L U P W ...EdwardO’TettehJr.–forpatienceandself‐re lectionKendraO‘TettehwhorecentlycelebratedherbirthdayRichmondOkaiAikiosinGhanaasheispreparingtotakehishighschool inalexams,andforGod’sprotection

Thosewithinvisibleillnessesthattheymaybehealedand indtheunderstandingofthosearoundthem

ThepeopleofFrance,Beirut,Bagdad,andthewholeworldSolomon,Henritta,andNaaDromocelebratingtheirbirthdaysthismonth,especiallyforSolomonturning40onNovember16

Someonewhoasksthat“Godwillourmarriageandrestoreitthatitmaylastthroughourlifetimeinlove.”

Someone’sdaughtercelebratingherbirthdayandthatGodwillguideandhelphertoachieveherdreamsandmoveforward.

SandraO’DriscollnowinRehabattheJewishRehabilitationCenteraftersurgeryLindaKeisterwhoisrecoveringathome

V N A F …Weare inneedof a fewvolunteers to helpwith theAltar lowers after services.One volunteer is needed to coordinate the volunteers that are able to deliverlowers to Wesley shut‐ins or people in the hospital or rehab facilities. Othervolunteers are needed to deliver the lowers to shut‐ins or members/friends inthehospitalorrehabfacilities.Youwouldtakethe lowersoffthealtaronSundayafter the service, transfer them into the coffee can, then deliver them. There isa book in the front of ice that you can check to see if the donator is takingbotharrangements, or leavingoneorboth tobedelivered. If youare interestedinhelpingoutwith thisministry, please speakwithPastor ShandiorDebi in theof iceduringtheweek.

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M C B A YeartoDateBudgetResultsthroughOctober Actual Budget DifferenceTotalIncome 479,727 478,524 ‐1,203TotalExpense 540,739 528,982 11,757Difference ‐61,012 ‐50,458 ‐10,554Pledges 234,428 243,923 ‐9,495

YearEndForecastfor2015basedonOctoberActuals

Forecast Budget DifferenceForecastedIncome 614,446 619,888 ‐5,442ForecastedExpense 664,862 646,844 18,018ForecastedLoss ‐50,416 ‐26,956 ‐23,460

2015HarvestResults GrandTotalCategory Received Pledged Post‐Dated ExpectedAppealforFunds $21,785 $880 $675 $23,340SanctuaryAuction $2,625 $3,455 0 $6,080SilentAuction $1,095 $220 0 $1,315

The hope and the goal for our work is that we, as a faith community, willcourageously face the adaptive changes in front of us and allow God to help usgrow. I will be honest and say that I do not expect quick and easy results.Technicalchangespromisethisbutadaptivechangesdonot.Ifwearetrulyhonestwithourselves,manyofuswantquickandeasyresults.Butrealchange‐ lastingchange‐isoftenpainful,dif icult,andtakestime.Thequestionandinvitationforusiswhetherwecanbepatientandpersevere.

In Revelation 21:5 Jesus declared: “Behold! I am making all things new.” Yet,wouldyousaythatGodis inishedwithwhatGodpromised?Ihopethat,regardlessofthebirthpangsofourdiscernmentprocesses,wecancontinuetotrustthatGodisstillworkingtotransformusandhelpusgrow. InFaithwithHope, PastorShandi

Oh No! (cover page continued…)

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GrandTotalCategory Received Pledged Post‐Dated ExpectedKo i&Ama Sunday $420 ****TheWinner**** Monday $249 $25 Tuesday $395 Wednesday $260 Thursday $363 Friday $218Saturday $189NoDaylisted $25TotalKo i&Ama $2,119 $25 $2,144GRANDTOTALS $27,624 $4,555 $700 $32,879BalancefromMini’s $3,163ExpectedinHarvestaccount1056 $36,0422015Budget $37,000Difference $‐958

ThankyoutoallwhomadetheHarvestresultssostrongandforallwhodidthecounting! ProjectUpdates

ThirdFloorMen’sRoomRepairsWeareseekingbidsfortheprivacypanelandthe looring.

StageCurtainEstimatesIhavebeenworkingonobtainingestimatesforanewstagecurtainwhichispartofthe2015capitalbudget. Our irstestimatecame inat$4800which includes theinstallation.Asecondestimateisinprocess,anditlookslikethisprojectwillneedtobefundedoutofthe2016capitalbudget.

ChancelLightingWhen Coghlin Electric came to do the chancel lighting project, they discoveredseveral areas of deterioration in the wiring and the actual lighting boxes. Thisprojectwillbereviewedagainatthisweek’sTrusteemeeting.

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ParsonageProjectsWearestillwaitingforthegaragedoorinstallation.

2016BudgetPreparationsIampresentlyworkingwithFinance,theTrustees,andSPRConthe2016budget.There will be two All‐Church meetings. The irst meeting will be on Sunday,November22,at12noontoreviewthe2015budgetforecast.Thesecondmeetingwill be on Sunday, December 13, at 12 noon to review the 2016 budget. In themeantime, thankyou toallwhohave submitted theirpledgecardsandenveloperequestforms!Welookforwardtohearingfromyouifyouhavenotalreadysentthemin.FirstNightWewill be having FirstNight once again this year. JerryWarrenhas graciouslyaccepted the position of co‐chair. Volunteer request forms will be included infuture Heralds and Sunday bulletins. We have been given a lot of press by theFirstNightOf ice,andwillcontinuetoofferalimitedmenuwithourvenueclosingby11pm.Peace,Lorna

AdventRetreat

Saturday,November21stfrom12:30‐4:30p.m.

“FromSacredtoSecular:AFaithfulCelebrationofAdventandChristmas”

The seasons of Advent and Christmas can be very hectic times for us. Try aswe might, we are pulled in multiple directions by competing demands andexpectations. In thisweekendbefore thebeginningofAdvent, youare invited tocome and ind quiet and joy and breathing space and room for contemplation,and...havesomefun!

Joinretreat leaderLisaFagerstromaswejourneytogetherinsharingourAdventandChristmasstories,experiences,andcustoms;whileconsideringhowwewanttoshapethesetwoseasonsthisyear.

A light lunchwill be served aswe begin our retreat timewith table fellowship.Therewillbetimeforworship,prayer,re lection,makingChristmascards,walkingtheLabyrinth,andotherSpiritualFormationopportunities.Allarewelcome!!

D A B C Women of Wesley Methodist Church and women from the congregation of theIslamicMosque inWorcester are invited to participate in our new book club tobecalled,TheDaughtersofAbraham.Thisnationalbookclubwasformedin2001as an inspiration to its founder who wished to respond to actions of terroriststhroughout the world. We seek to develop better understanding through ourreligiousfaithwithreadinganddiscussionofbooksthatwilladdresstheproblemsand provide solutions. Information regarding theDaughters of Abraham can befoundondaughtersofabrahamworcesterma.comAnywomen attendingWesley Church iswelcome to attend our discussions. Ourirstmeetingwill be onDecember16, 2015, from7p.m. to8:30p.m. at PaneraBreadintheWhiteCityPlazainShrewsbury,MA.ThosewishingtocomeearlyfordinnerandconversationareinvitedtomeetatPaneraBreadat6:30p.m. Tableswillbereservedforourgroup.Atour irstmeetingwewillintroduceourselves.The irstbookwillbe“TheFaithClub” by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner. Discussion of thisbookwill followatourJanuarymeeting. Forfurther information, pleasecontactLisaFagerstrom.

C C ANoteofThanks... The Carty Cupboard Food Pantry was established in 1982 by members ofWesleytohelpfeedthoseinneed. Thatwasthemissionthenanditremainsthesametoday.Duringthispastyearover55CartyCupboardVolunteershavehelpedinthiseffort.AtthistimeIwouldliketorecognizethem… DotEllis,KenHedenburg,MarionandJerryWarren,DonnaandAmeliaHirtle,CordeliaFerdinand,MargaretandJosephWilson,SolomonAryee,BillandMaryJetWoodring, Linda and Lou D’Acri, Beth Maider, Chris Kerns, Phyllis Yngve, Dickand Betty Nevers, Barbara Crocker, Caroline Sherman, George Kronberg, SusanWilliams, Janet DeNapoli, Gladys Adu‐Poku, Ann Fortier, Isabell Basinsky, PeggyO’NeilFavrot,JoanneCesary‐Guerard,RayEichel,NancyMosesandherdaughters,BrieannaRitacco,JeffandVictoriaGibbs,ToniOrrizzi,JodyDionis,theFolksfromtheUnitedCongregationalChurch,HarryandErinSpencer.Thesepeoplehavealldone theirpart tohelp todistributeover26.5tonsof foodduring thispastyearalone! Each and every person is an amazing and vital part of this mission.Iam,andWesley,isveryBlessed.Fromthebottomofmyheart…IThankYou! ~NancyJ.E.Spencer

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Have you noticed any changes in our worshipping experience? I imagine youhave because we have been receiving bits and pieces of feedback from some ofyou. One notable change you are likely to have noticed is the time for “songs ofpraiseandadoration.”ItstartedwithanintroductionofsomeEnglishpraisesfromtheGhanaian tradition and is slowly growing to includepraise songs fromotherculturesandtraditions.

Here at Wesley we have declared that “diversity and multiculturalism” is animportantareaofpassionorcorevalueforus.Thismeansthatwerecognizethattherearediverseapproachestospiritualityasexpressedthroughmusic.Inlightofourpassionfordiversityandmulticulturalism,theworshipteamhasbeenworkingto discern and evaluate how ourworship experience enables us to authenticallyworshipGodbyemployingthegiftsandthegracerepresentedinourdiversity.Theworshipteamseekstomakeroominourworshipspaceforthesevariedgifts.

As we have been doing this work, we have been aware that some people aregrowing uncomfortable with the changes being made in worship, while othersare welcoming these changes and giving thanks as they ind that their spiritualexpression is being included as part of our worship experience. These realitiespointtoaninevitabletensionthatariseswhenpeoplewithdifferencesseektolivetogetherincommunity.

In lightofthesechallenges,wefeelmovedtoremindthecongregationofanotherarea of passion and core value that our church holds: inclusive hospitality andwelcome. The ministry of hospitality is a challenging one because it often asksustobecomfortablewithdiscomfort.Hospitalityisdif icultbecauseitinvitesustomakeroominourlivesforotherswhooftenaredifferentfromus.

Asaworshipteam,wehavetheholytaskofcreatingworshipexperienceswhereeveryone can authentically come before God. Thiswork is not easy. Aswe adaptto a new way of being and worshipping, we invite you to share your feedbackabout your worship experience as you pray for God to guide us in our work.Youmayapproachanyof theworshipplanning teammembers listedbelowwithyourthoughtsandideas.MayGodblessyouandkeepyou.

TheWorshipPlanningTeam:PastorShandi,KwakuDankwa,LisaFagerstrom,JeanGrant,BrettMaguire,DebbieO’Driscoll,andJosephWilson

S S TheChristmasNativityPageantisjustaroundthecorner!ThechildrenlookforwardtosharingthepeaceofChrist inourannualChristmasPageantonDecember20thduringthe10:30a.m.worshipservice.Parents, please note our rehearsal times. Non‐choir children have the option toattendchoirpracticestolearnthesongs,butwewillhaveothertimestopracticeaswell.

SundayNov.22:duringpartofSundaySchool,andduringChildren'sChoir(whichisafterchurch,duringtheAllChurchmeeting)

SundayNov.29:duringChildren'sChoirtimeSundayDec.6:duringpartofSundaySchool,duringChildren'sChoirtimeSundayDec.13:DuringpartofSundaySchool,duringtheAllChurchmeetingafter

churchfrom11:45‐12:30(intheSanctuary)SaturdayDec.19:fulldress‐rehearsalatchurchfrom10‐12,withasmalllunchat

12:30.Usingsanctuaryfrom10‐12.SundayDec.20:Pageantday!Kidsarriveby10.PleasejoininanAdventWreathmaking&sharingevent!Thecongregationis invitedtoatimeoffellowshiptomakeAdventWreathsandshare family traditions for Christmas and Advent. There will be two times toparticipate in this event (in Brewer Hall): Sunday,November22ndduring the9:30a.m.hour and Sunday,November29that11:45a.m.(after the 10:30 a.m.worship service). There will be supplies to make one of two different kinds ofwreaths (one wreath per family) using mason jars, terra cotta pots, wreathgreens, candles, and paints. If possible, please bring a box to carry home yourwreath.Wewillalsohavecraftsuppliesavailabletomakesnow lakesanddecorateChristmascards.

Alreadyhaveawreathor familytraditionoftheseason?Youare invitedtobringyourfamily'swreathorseasonaltraditiontosharewithothersinfellowshipasweentertheAdventseasonofhopefulwaitingandpeace. Thankyou, JeanGrant

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M M InterfaithHospitalityNetworkofGreaterWorcester

CapitalCampaign2015‐2016

BishopDanielP.Reilly&CongressmanJamesP.McGovern(Co‐Chairs),TheIHNAdvisoryBoard&IHNFamilies

InviteYoutoAttendOneofOurTwoOpenHouses

Sundays,November22nd&December6th1PMto3PM,91JuneSt.,Worcester

Helpuscelebrateoursuccessfultransitiontoournewhomeandnewprogrammodel.

Imagine No Malaria Appeal… Bishop Devadhar, leader of the New EnglandConference,hasaskedeverycongregationtotakeuponemorecollectiontobattlemalaria in sub‐SaharaAfrica.The international UMC has distributed millions ofinsecticide‐treated bed nets. In partnershipwith theWorld Health Organization,we have contributed to establishing medical clinics and educating Africans onprevention.Over adozen countrieshave reported zeromalaria cases for severalyears. Our conference needs about $120,000 to reach its $1 million goal. TheWesley Mission Committee is making a generous gift. If you wish to make adonation,pleaseleaveitinthelabeledcollectionboxintheWelcomeOf ice.BesideitwillbeINMofferingenvelopes.$10savesalife.Malariaisapreventabledisease.November Community Supper… Linda D'Acri and team will be providing aturkeydinneronSaturday,Nov.28th.WhilemostofuswillcelebrateThanksgivingon Nov. 26th, for some of our guests, this meal of turkeywithallthetrimmingswillbe theholidaymeal enjoyedwithotherpeople. AllWesley folksare invitedtoaddthemselvestothisfellowship.Donationsofpiesandotherdessertswillbemuchappreciated.

Community Supper Leaders Needed for Feb., April and Beyond… SeveralWesley groups have talkedwith Pastor Shandi or Betsy Pennino about steppinguptoleadacommunitysupper.Nowisthetimetochooseamonth,withmostof2016 available. Perhaps winter is a less busy time for your family or Wesleygroup?Seasonedsupperleadersarealsowelcometochoosemonths!

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MarkYourCalendar…ThechurchofficewillbeclosedonThursdayandFriday,November26th&27th.

Sunday,November22nd •AllChurchMeeting,12 •UMWBakeSale,afterservicesSaturday,November28th •CommunityDinner,4‐6 Sunday,November29th •FirstSundayofAdventWednesday,December9th •SilentNightServiceat7 Saturday,December12th •BoarsHeadFestival,4 Sunday,December13th •AllChurchMeeting,12 Saturday,December19th •GhanaianChoirChristmasConcert,7 Sunday,December20th •Children’sPageantduring10:30Worship

Chart/MapofFreeMeals inWorcester…Outside theWelcome Of ice windowisascheduleoffreehotmealsavailabledailyinWorcester. Onthebackisamapshowingthelocationsofthemealproviders.Especiallynowthatthecoldweatheris approaching, it would be good to give the schedule to anyone youmeet whois looking for foodassistance. Anotherwaytohelpourneighbors inneedwouldbe to leave copies of the chart/map in placeswhere theymight ind them.HelpyourselftocopiesattheWelcomeOf icewindow.

U M W

December3UMWChristmasProgramtoFeaturePanelonIslamAllwomenofWesleyareinvitedtoattendourThursday,December3rdChristmasprogram,withdessertat6:30andaprogramat7presentedbyourneighborsfromtheWorcesterIslamicCenter.This isalsowhenweapproveourbudgetfor2016,sopleasestayaftertheprogramtolearnmoreaboutUMW'sworktobeaforceforgoodintheworld.Post‐ThanksgivingCraftSaleitemswillalsobeonsale.Pleasejoinus!AllisonHansenandBarbaraIngrassia,Co‐Presidents

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S MISSION BAKE SALE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

To support the following UMW Mission Projects:

All profits will go to the ongoing support of UMW Mission Programs and

Summer camperships for Wesley youth.

COOKIES BREADS PIES CAKES… AND MORE!

Support the UMW in this Mission fund-raiser and enjoy “home-made” baked goods for your Thanksgiving Celebration.

THEMASTERSINGERSofWORCESTERpresenttheBOAR'SHEADFESTIVAL

Saturday,December12@4PM~WesleyUnitedMethodistChurchJointheMasterSingersastheycelebratethewinterseasonwithmusicandrevelryinthisRenaissancecostumedpageantsuitableforallages.WithWesleyMethodistMusicDirector,BrettMaguire, featuredonorgan,andBillGarciaas theNarrator.Also performing are the Dapperapper Morris & Sword Dancers, ShrewsburyRingers handbell choir, and Shrewsbury Youth Singers. A festive receptionfollows the show. Tickets are $25‐Adults; $20‐Seniors, Students & WOO;$10‐children under 16 at the door. For tickets and more information, visitwww.mswma.org,call508‐832‐1349,oremailinfo@mswma.org.

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U D E ...BelowistheschedulefortheFallEvents.

Youcanregisterforanyoftheseat:http://cmdresourceday.com/

FallScheduleofEvents:District‐WideBibleStudiesontheBookofJames:December3@9:30am‐Centralville,Lowell,MA(Chapter5)

WorkshoponVision,Mission&StrategicPlanningDecember12@9:00am‐11:30am‐OakdaleUMCW.Boylston,MA

DistrictSuperintendentListeningSessionsDecember1@7:00pm‐EpworthUnitedMethodistChurchinWorcester

R N F P U J 10,2016!It’snottooearlytostartthinkingaboutyourNewYear’sResolution.Ifoneofthemis to get better control of your personal inances,why not consider taking FPU?FinancialPeaceUniversity(FPU)isa9‐weeklife‐changingprogramthatempowersand teaches you how tomake Bible basedmoney decisions to help you achieveyour inancial goals. We’llwalk you through the basics ofbudgeting,dumpingdebt,planningforretirementandcollegetuition,understandingallkindsofinsurance,andmuchmore.Itisnotjustforthosewhoareindebtbutoffersmore.

Createaplanthatgivesyoufreedom. Knowyourkidsaretakencareof. Befreetogivelikeyou’vealwayswanted.

For more information or to sign up for the program, contact Bill Wong atbill922@gmail.comor(508)320‐5620.ClassesbeginJanuary10,2016at5:30pmin John Wesley Room, for 1.5 to 2 hours each time. Through a special grant,FPUnowonlycosts$50(a$149savings)perfamilyforWesleyChurchattendeesin which the book “Total Money Makeover,” workbook, audio CDs, and starterenvelope system are provided. Child carewill be provided, if needed. You caneven attend all 9 weeks for free by just listening in class, taking notes, andparticipatinginthegroupdiscussion(nomaterialsprovided).Formore information about Dave Ramsey and FPU, visit www.daveramsey.comandlookforFinancialPeaceUniversityunderclasses.

JohninUltra‐HighContext:John15:1‐17notes from the Brewer Hall Study Group, Nov. 15, 2015

++++++++++++Context. Chapter 15 is the middle of Jesus’ final discourse with his core disciples (chapters 13-17).

Group Solidarity (vv. 1-8) The grapevine metaphor is the seventh and last of Jesus’ “I am” statements. It symbolizes the close one-to-one relationship with the members of his group – the primary relationship; and the basis for the inter-disciple relationships that derive from it. The key verb ménō (“abide”), with its UHC meaning of loyalty or deep attachment, occurs ten times in vv. 4-10, and 40 times in all throughout John’s Gospel (but only 12 times in all the Synoptics combined). The note in v. 6 about the fate of branches not fully engrafted into the vine is a warning to group members that strong boundaries be maintained between fully committed insiders and all others. Only in this way will they be safe (vv. 12-17). The pruner is the Father.

(vv. 9-11) This enduring relationship with his disciples will have a joyous outcome [as the Johannine group will later experience] that will keep the group together after Jesus’ departure. [and became the norm for Johannine group members, i.e., the mark by which they were identified

Jesus’ New Commandment (vv. 12-17) This passage is the central segment of Jesus’ final discourse, both in its location and its message – that his disciples love (“be attached”) one another, as he is to them (vv. 12 and 17). The noun in vv. 13-15 is doúlous/doũlos (“slaves”), and master-slave relationships were one-way. But now Jesus calls his disciples phílōn/phíloi/phílous (“friends”), loving his disciples as friends and expecting the same of them toward each other. In the Hellenistic culture of the Roman period, friendship implied mutual obligation, including the willingness to defend the friend with one’s life. In v. 16, Jesus insists that he alone chose his disciples (and not vice-versa), i.e., that his group was not a “school” run by a teacher sought out by disciples (or by their parents). Rather, they have become his friends for whom he is willing to lay down his life (v. 13), and for whom the Father will grant whatever they ask, provided they “bear fruit,” and ask through the name of Jesus (the broker for the Father).

Marshall, A. The R.S.V. interlinear Greek – English New Testament. The Nestle Greek Text with a literal English Translation. London: Samuel Bagster and Sons Ltd., 1958. Malina BJ, Rohrbaugh RL. Social-Science Commentary on the Gospel of John. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998. pp. 233-236.

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CongregationalsongisattheheartofourSundaymorningworship.Recentlyyou probably have noticed that we are making increasing use of variousresources for our congregational music sung during worship. One resourcewhichwe are usingmore andmore isTheFaithWeSing. Some people referto it as our “new hymnal”, but did you know that it also contains some“older treasures” omitted from TheUnitedMethodistHymnal? TheFaithWeSing was published at the turn of the 21st Century as a supplement to thestandardhymnalandwasneverintendedtoreplacethehymnal.

DevelopedjointlybyTheUnitedMethodistPublishingHouseandTheGeneralBoardofDiscipleshipofTheUnitedMethodistChurch,itre lectsthediversityof theworldwide Christian community, both in terms of ethnicity aswell asdifferent worship styles. The wide variety of music found in TheFaithWeSing encompasses several major categories including hymns (old and new),contemporary praise and worship choruses, gospel songs, American ethnicmusic (African‐American, Hispanic), global/world music from Africa, Asia,Latin America, and Europe, songs from the Iona Community in Scotland,Taizechantsandservicemusic/responses.

As our congregation continues to grow in diversity,we alsowant ourmusicto re lect diversity. According to Hoyt Hickman, general editor of TheFaithWeSing, “We live in a time when new music for worship is constantlyappearing.Furtherresourcesforworshipwillcontinuetobedeveloped.ThisbookisawaystationinthecontinuingjourneyofGod’speople.”AsChristiansweare indeedona journey,alwayschangingandcalled togrowandstretch.Hopefullyasweexploredifferentmusicyouwill indthatithasthepotentialtoopenawholenewdimensioninyourexperienceofworship.

Submittedby,DeborahA.O’Driscoll

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2015H S BelowarethenextHeraldmailingdatesalongwiththedeadlinedates.

ArticleDeadline HeraldMailing Date Date

Mon.,Nov.30 Wed.,Dec.2

Mon.,Dec.14 Wed.,Dec.16

Ifyouhaveanarticle,pleaseemailitasaWordattachmentto:

of ice@wesleyworc.org

2015A F calendar is nowavailable in theWelcomeOf ice. If youwould like to donate lowers on aparticularSundayinhonor,celebrationor inmemoryofa lovedoneor friend,stopbytheof iceandreservethedate.You can reserve the chapel or thesanctuary. After church you arewelcome to take the lowers home toenjoy or you may leave them to bedeliveredtoashut‐in.Thecostforthetwoarrangements ineither the chapelor sanctuary is$50. Pleasebe sure tocomplete a form with the dedicationandreturnittoDebiwiththepaymentassoonasyouareable.

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W S L T Pastor ShandiraiMawokomatanda

DirectorofMusicMinistries BrettMaguire

GhanaianChoirMaster KwakuDankwa

MusicAssistant DeborahO’Driscoll

DirectorofChildren’s JeanGrantChristianEducation

DirectorofChristian LisaFagerstromFormation&Discipleship

ToddlerCareLeader LoriConlon

BuildingSuperintendent PhilJohnson

BusinessAdministrator LornaMattus‐Merrill

ChurchSecretary DebiRitacco

Custodians CarolFlionis, GerardPiscitelli, SteveBoyns

HeadUsher DavidDagle

AdministrativeCouncil RonRamsay

BoardofTrustees AnnelleBenson

CartyCupboardFoodPantry NancySpencer

CommunionSteward EarlFlagg

EducationWorkArea ChrisFlagg

Finance&Stewardship MichaelEdmunds Co‐Chairs WilliamWong

GhanaianAssociation EmmanuelOkrah

HospitalityTeam PaulArsenault VivianAssie

Layleader DeborahO’Driscoll

MedicalMinistry RonRamsay

MemorialGifts CarolynBellil

MissionCoordinator BetsyPennino

Staff‐ParishRelations BrentDrajesk Co‐Chairs MarkMuncey

YouthDirectors PastorShandi& LisaFagerstrom

UnitedMethodistWomen BarbaraIngrassia Co‐Chairs AllisonHansen

ChurchPhone:508‐799‐4191Fax:508‐799‐3725E‐M

ail:ofice@wesleyw

orc.orgWebpage:w

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orc.org