Author: Joe Monahan

Join us on February 26 as we mark the start of Lent with worship and ashes:

• 7:00-9:30 am: Stop by for prayers, ashes & coffee right outside the Sanctuary
• 12:00 pm: There will be a brief service of scripture, prayer and ashes in the Sanctuary
• 7:30 pm: Join us for a service of ashes & Holy Communion in the Sanctuary

MONDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY: Michelle Critelli and Cyndy Riley are facilitating a Co-Ed Bible Study on Monday evenings, beginning April 13. The small group will explore the Gospel of John, and participants will be expected to purchase a participant’s guide to use as they read through a few chapters of John each week.

https://medfordumc.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/243

LORD’S PRAYER STUDY: Pastor Kathleen is facilitating a study of the Lord’s Prayer to correspond to the Lenten Sermon Series. Please purchase the book The Lord’s Prayer for Today by William J. Carl III, prior to the first class in print or eBook from your favorite book seller.

https://medfordumc.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/242

CARING TEAM TRAINING: The pastors are seeking people with caring hearts and compassionate listening ears to assist them in connecting with members of the congregation who might appreciate special care and prayer.

https://medfordumc.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/245

Adopt-A-Box is an annual IHOC program. The purpose of Adopt-A-Box is to collect and distribute basic personal care items to men, women and children who are currently staying in shelters or using day centers. Like Pack-A-Sack, Adopt-A-Box is easy to participate in and is a great way to help those in need. All you need to do is take a shoe box and fill it with basic items such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, baby shampoo, deodorant, underwear, shaving cream, hand lotions, razors, wash clothes, and socks. Once you have filled your shoebox or shoeboxes, mark each one “Man”, “Woman”, or “Child” based on the items you placed in it.

The MUMC youth are off to a very successful start in making “Adopt-a-Boxes” for the Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council. We have 32 completed boxes, 31 that are only missing 1 or 2 items, and enough supplies to make many more with just a few items. Our goal is 100 boxes. Our biggest needs are: empty shoeboxes, shaving cream, shampoo, and underwear. Items can be dropped off in the Narthex. We will be finishing the boxes on February 23. We have set up a Signup Genius, if you would like to let us know what you have to donate.

Go To Signup Genius

What to know more about IHOC?  CLICK HERE

Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of  giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated.  The link below will take you to our PushPay system.  You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose  “Souper Bowl of Caring.”

Give Now!

The MUMC Book Club has chosen Faith Unraveled for our first selection of 2020.  Christian author Rachel Held Evans shares her spiritual journey. As she challenges fundamentalism, her faith moves from certainty to doubt to trust in a God who is big enough to handle the tough questions. We will meet on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 pm to discuss. Looking ahead to February, our next selection is This Tender Land by award-winning novelist William Kent Krueger. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00 pm. Our discussion group is always welcoming, so check out these books and join us!  Any questions please contact Patty Rosvold, pbrosvold179@verizon.net or the church office.

The MUMC will be hosting once again a Red Cross Blood Drive. The event will be held on Thursday January 9th from 2:00pm to 7:00pm in Bowker Hall. If you are short on time, the best time to come is between 2:45pm and 4:15pm.  Remember to check out Rapid Pass on the web site. You can complete the reading of materials required the day of the drive on your computer and bring your printed pass with you. Thank you!!  Hope to see you there to give the gift of life!

Click Here to Make Your Appointment

To get information about giving blood, visit the American Red Cross website or contact Lesley Koengetter at 609-268-9043. Online, use the sponsor code “Medford UMC” to find us.

• Donor Eligibility Guidelines: Click Here
• Donation Tips (including tips for after donating): Click Here
• Tips to boost your iron level: Click here

Live Nativity at the Dickens Festival: Please join us on Sat. Dec. 7 in bringing the story of Christmas to the Medford community! We need people to be angels and shepherds (anyone in 4th grade or older), Wise People (adults or older/taller teens), Mary and Joseph. We need people to set up the lights and sound equipment and then more people to break it down at the end of the night. We need a hot chocolate/hot cider crew. We need people to bake cookies the week before the festival. We need singers, hospitality people, animal wranglers and costume crew that night. There is, without a doubt, a spot for you to volunteer!  Get details and sign up at medfordumc.org/nativitysignup. Contact Pastor Kathleen with questions.

MUMC Book Club News:  This month’s selection is As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner.   It is a compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world, not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.  Join us on November 13!

We are always welcoming new readers so bring a friend and join us!  Any questions please contact the church office or Patty Rosvold at pbrosvold179@verizon.net and follow us on Facebook at Medford UMC Book Club.

Trunk or Treat

Medford United Methodist Church
is hosting Our 7th Annual
Trunk or Treat
October 20
4:00-5:30 PM

Join us for an evening of safe Trick or Treating and Yummy S’Mores!  Sign up sheets outside the Sanctuary!

How can I participate?

• Decorate your car for Trunk or Treaters-Vehicle at church by 3:00 pm on the 20th.
• Donate candy to the cause. Please No Nuts!
• Drop off candy-Boxes outside the Sanctuary starting Oct. 14
• Join us on the 20th, come Trunk or Treat, help hand out goodies, or just watch the fun!
• PRAY-For good weather, a fun evening and great fellowship!

ON-LINE REGISTRATION FOR ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS:

With the program year about to start, registration is open! Go to our REGISTRTATION LINK and register each child. Even if you have done this  previously, please enter your child’s information to insure that our database is up-to-date. Any questions, please contact the church office.

Welcome Back BBQ and Party

When:  Sunday, Sept 8th

Where: Medford UMC

Time:  4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Everyone is Invited!   Bring a side dish or dessert to share.  Please sign up in the FLC lobby, Outside the Sanctuary, or the church office so we know how many are coming.

MEDFORD ROCKS AGAIN, AUGUST 30 FROM 7:00 TO 10:00 PM….a few months ago, we had a great time hosting this open mic & music event for middle and high school youth. Soon we’ll welcome back to the stage Emmie & Brie, Imbroglio and open mic performers. A $5 door donation will benefit Broadway Bound Players of Medford. Join us for food, music, games and fun! If you would like to perform, please email courtney.polidori@gmail.com. If you can volunteer to help set up and chaperone the event, please contact Pastor Joe (joe@medfordumc.org). See you there!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ANNUAL FLEA MARKET – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Clean out your treasures and get ready for our annual Flea Market. Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (rain or shine). Registration forms for parking lot spaces are in the August and September Messengers, in the entryways or the church office. Spaces are just $15 by Sept. 16th! ($20 Sept. 17th or later.) Contact Ginger Harriett at 609/238-1803 if you have questions. All proceeds will go to local mission projects.

DOWNLOAD THE MUMC APP! We have launched our brand-new MUMC app (for both Apple and Android)! This new tool will bring together all things MUMC in one convenient place. Miss a sermon? Catch up with the video or audio from last week’s message. Read the latest news, announcements and events. Manage your recurring giving. And in time, we’ll be bringing you small group resources and devotional guides. We’re excited about all this new tool has to offer. Download and install it today – text “medfordapp” to 77977 to go directly to the download page, or search your app store for “Medford UMC.” And send us your feedback – you can do that right from the app!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES COLLECTION: School supplies are important — and they aren’t cheap. Their cost has gone up 88% in the past decade. Want to help local students? We are asking for the church’s help with the following donations:

 Child-sized backpacks – preferably non-gender specific!
 Pencils – non-mechanical, boxes of 12
 Loose-leaf notebook paper (100-150 page packets)
 Binders – 1 inch, hardcover
 Folders – 3-hole punched
 Crayons – 24 count boxes
 Markers – 10-12 count boxes, washable
 Erasers – pink, rectangular (not pencil cap!)
 Yellow highlighters
 Glue sticks

A team of youth will be sorting the supplies and packing the backpacks. To make this easier, please put all supplies in a plastic shopping bag inside the back pack and only donate items from this list. If you are only donating supplies, that’s great too! Supplies and backpacks can be dropped off outside the sanctuary or in the FLC Lobby. Please make sure all donations are at the church by Wednesday, August 21st. Donations will be distributed to the children by the Neighborhood Center in Camden, the Christian Caring Center and Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHOC). Please join us in supporting these children! Please contact Chris Carl, cmctrumpet10700@gmail.com, 856/404-1706 with any questions.

The MUMC Book Club is participating in the Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS on October 26, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in honor of our friends Glenna Bishop and Diane O’Brien and we need you on our team!!

Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS — it robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. And what’s even worse is that right now, there’s no cure. You can help by walking with us, donating to us or praying for us!

Will you join us and join the movement to cure ALS? It’s easy to register or donate online at http://webpa.alsa.org/goto/Glennas_Gladiators. If you have any questions, please contact Patty Rosvold at pbrosvold179@verizon.net

PS – If you can’t make it on October 26, 2019 – please consider making a donation towards our goal of $1,000

REPRESENT MEDFORD UMC AT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN FREEDOM PARK ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 6: This year we will be publicizing our TRUNK or TREAT and giving away candy. We are looking for one or two cars to be decorated with a HALLOWEEN TRUNK. The Witness Committee will supply the candy. Join Pastor Kathleen for this fun event to let the community know about the ministries of MUMC. Contact Kathleen or the church office for more information.

Sunday, July 14th is Pastor Appreciation Day, a time when we show our appreciation to Pastor Kathleen and Pastor Joe for their dedication and service to us and hear a word from them. This year the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), in coordination with the pastors, is planning something extra special. The celebration will be part of the 10:30 service, held in the FLC (traditional service will be held at 9:00 in the sanctuary for this Sunday only), where we will be seated at tables. We will participate in a special 45 minute worship service followed by celebration and then a time to enjoy a light lunch and socialize together. We hope you and your family will plan to be a part of this joyful event.

On Sunday April 28th, we begin a new series based on the book of Exodus. It’s called “Not All Who Wander Are Lost.” 

The Exodus is one of the key moments in the history of God’s people. It’s referred to over and over again throughout the Bible. It’s a moment where people redefined who they were: no longer slaves, but free people walking with their God – the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

Sounds beautiful, right? A story of faith in God’s power, God’s guidance and God’s provision. 

If you thought that, you’d be wrong. Reality is a lot more complicated. Leaders are a lot more timid. People are a lot less faithful. And yet, God works through it all. It’s a good message for unsettled times. God’s faithfulness overcomes our unfaithfulness. Every. Single. Time.

So We hope you’ll join us for worship starting Sunday, and in reading Exodus over the next few weeks – from now through June 2nd.

PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.

Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual.  OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.

Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MORNING
WORSHIP SCHEDULE

HOLY THURSDAY April 18
7:30 pm Communion Service – Sanctuary

GOOD FRIDAY April 19 at MUMC
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Ecumenical Service
7:30 pm Good Friday Worship Service

EASTER April 21
6:30 am Sonrise Service with Communion
Breakfast in Bowker Hall

9:30 Contemporary Worship in FLC
8:15 and 11:00 am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary

Acme Gift Cards In the amount of $15. No cash or checks .

Boxed Milk, Brownie or Cake Mixes, Macaroni and Cheese, Instant Potatoes, Rice or Pasta, Low Sugar Cereal, Fruit Juice Boxes, Flour, Nutrition/Granola Bars.

Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables & Beans, Canned Meat, Soups/Stews/Chili, Pasta Sauce, Spaghetti-O’s & Ravioli
Peanut Butter/Jelly, Vegetable Oil, Gravy, Liquid Dish Soap

Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Conditioner, Sanitary Napkins, Poise Pads, Toilet Paper , Baby Wipes, Travel Size Lotion, Laundry Detergent Pods*, (*We are collecting ONLY single – use laundry pods.)

Cyclone Idai made landfall near Beira, the fourth-largest city in Mozambique, on March 14. Over the next week, Idai left a path of destruction in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. United Methodists are starting to respond to those affected by Cyclone Idai, which left devastation in parts of three African countries and killed 500 people, with hundreds more still missing.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief has allocated three $10,000 grants for immediate, emergency short-term funding to meet basic human needs in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Those needs include water transportation and storage for drinking, cooking and personal and domestic hygiene, along with temporary shelter.

How to help:

Give to the work of UMCOR by texting UMCOR to 91999.

To make a donation to UMCOR’s International Disaster Response, use Advance #982450.

OUR LENTEN FOCUS: DISCIPLESHIP: Traditionally the Church has invited Christians to “give something up for Lent.” This year, your pastors at Medford UMC are inviting you to “take something on for Lent.” As we journey through Lent together this year you are encouraged to dive deeper into the weekly sermons by engaging with a curriculum that will guide you on a Disciple’s Path. The weekly sessions will run for six weeks during Lent beginning the week of Ash Wednesday and will coordinate with the weekly sermons. The topics are based on the UMC membership covenant “faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness.” Please contact the Church Office, by email or phone, to let us know which group you’ll be joining. This is a great way to grow deeper in your own discipleship as you become better acquainted with other MUMC folks on their own journey with Christ.

• GROUP 1: Sundays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, March 3 – April 7 at MUMC; led by Brian Harriett in Room 104
• GROUP 2: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, March 5 – April 9 at the home of Manny and Andrea Estevez in Medford Lakes; led by Manny Estevez
• GROUP 3: FULL
• GROUP 4: Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am, March 7 – April 11 at MUMC; led by Pastor Kathleen, Jeneene Reduker and Charlotte Ewing in Room 104
• GROUP 5: Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, March 7 – April 11 at MUMC; led by Pastors Joe and Kathleen in Room 104
• GROUP 6: Mondays, 7:15-8:45 pm, March 11 – April 8 at the home of Patty and Bruce Rosvold.

“WE’RE ALL IRISH ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY”: Please join us for our annual Irish evening of music, treats, and fun fellowship on Monday, March 11 at 7:00 pm in Bowker Hall. We’ll have familiar Irish songs planned by Carol Reilly. It is always a fun evening. Wear your best Irish green and be ready to laugh and enjoy a great program. You probably will leave humming “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” If you have any questions, please contact Carol Reilly, 609/953-3805 or Chris Welch, 856/751-5836. All MUMC ladies are always welcome – please join us!

Saturday, March 9, 2019
11:30 a.m. Silent Auction Bidding
12:15 p.m. Lunch & Program

Come join us for lunch at our “Annual Hearts for Mission” Silent Auction / Soup and Salad Bar luncheon ”Mardi Gras” style in Bowker Hall! Auction proceeds goes to support mission work. You can also make a pledge to the UMW at this time. Auction item donations may be brought to the church office starting Thursday, March 7th. What to donate? How about Mardi Gras inspired items or traditional “heart-themed” items. Questions? Please contact Ginger Harriett at vtharriett@comcast.net

Program Speaker: Rev. Michael Reed
Contest: Prizes for Best Mardi Gras masks!

ASH WEDNESDAY – MARCH 6: Join us as we mark the start of Lent with worship and ashes on Ash Wednesday:
7:00-9:30 am – prayers, ashes & coffee in the narthex – drop in Any time
12:00 noon – a brief (30 min) service of scripture, prayer and ashes in the Sanctuary
7:30 pm – a service of ashes & Holy Communion in the sanctuary; Faith Presbyterian Church will be joining us for this service.
You are free to worship without receiving ashes, get them on your hand instead of your forehead, or go home and wash your face. They represent an outward sign of our inward heart. If you’ve not attended Ash Wednesday worship before, come experience it this year!

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS – A NEW YEAR SERMON SERIES

All of us want better relationships: in our families, with our friends, at work. Often we just don’t know how to get there. But there are some simple things we can do to foster healthy relationships: by getting our anxiety under control, practicing empathy, honoring boundaries, improving communication, and building trust. Join us on Sundays at 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 as we look to the scriptures for wisdom on building healthy relationships

IHOC-INTERFAITH HOMELESS OUTREACH COUNCIL is collecting shoe boxes filled with personal care items for distribution to homeless shelters.  Items include: toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, lotion, razors, soaps, washcloths, socks, comb/brush and underwear. (Trial sizes are welcome.) Once you have filled your shoebox, put a rubber band around it and label it: Man, Woman, Child-(Boy or Girl). Please bring your shoe boxes to the FLC lobby or to the hallway outside the sanctuary by Sunday, February 24. Thank you for your support!  For more info, contact Chris Carl, cmctrumpet10700@gmail.com; 856/404-1706.

THE DANIEL PLAN HAS STARTED AGAIN ON MONDAY EVENINGS AT 7:00  PM: Do you want to become a healthier, more connected version of yourself? Why  not try the Daniel Plan? This is a six week weight-loss and life-management group, in which we focus on: food, faith, fitness, and friends for a healthier life. Learn about real weight loss supported by our Christian community. Call Barbara Carlson 609/605-6362 or email Jeff Higgins at jeffhigginsretired@gmail.com. We meet in Room 106 behind the church offices.

HELP TACKLE HUNGER: Since it began 28 years ago, Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $135 million for local charities across the country. NEXT SUNDAY, our youth will collect monetary donations for Souper Bowl of Caring which will go to the Turning Point UMC Food Pantry in Trenton. Youth will be at the back of the worship space in the FLC at the end of the 10:00 am service to receive your donations; checks made payable to MUMC with “Souper Bowl” in the memo line. If you don’t want to wait until next Sunday, you can donate today. Just drop your donation in the offering plate. Please make sure it is clearly labeled on the check or blue pew envelope for “Souper Bowl.”

CALLING ALL 8^TH – 12^TH GRADERS!  It’s time to start thinking about our Summer Youth Mission Trip to Roanoke, VA to work with REACH. For more information about the REACH program visit reachinroanoke.org. We will take our trip on June 29^th – July 5^th, 2019 this summer. Are you interested in joining us or hearing more details? Registration has begun! Email Bethany Carl at bethany@medfordumc.org.