Prayers from August 17th

• For Ann B. who is preparing for surgery on August 29th
• For Tanya and Ken Bennett - Barbara Bennett
• Thanks for world leaders who care for each other and for the safety of all people

Altar Flowers

Sunday, August 24, 2025

In loving memory of my dear wife, Melda Jean, for our 62nd wedding anniversary on August 24, 2025.



Dave Pike

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Dear Friends of CUMC,

Sometimes we wonder how we can help someone experiencing some difficult situations. We now have the opportunity to help one of our former associate pastors Tanya Bennett and her husband Ken.

Tanya was our associate pastor here at CUMC in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ken was a RISE supervisor for many years, and their three kids were raised in CUMC and Chatham schools. Ken and Tanya have helped so many people over the years. Now, Ken and Tanya are in need of our support as they are dealing with some serious health issues.

Jeff has reached out to see how we can help. For now, we can support them with ready-made food. If you would like to help you can either purchase Grubhub or Door Dash gift cards which can be purchased at CVS, Walgreens or Amazon. You can put them in an envelope marked For Ken and Tanya Bennett and leave them in the church office. 

If you would like you can also include a message of encouragement/or memory in with your card. Thank you so much.

It is so easy to give into despair. It takes intentionality to remain or become people of hope. The Brothers of Taize produce a letter each year that is read by hundreds of thousands of young people. This year’s theme is entitled “Hope beyond all hope.” It is inspired by scriptures, Christian mystics, theologians, and young people living in war zones in Ukraine, Gaza and Central America. Our congregation had some roundtable discussions about the letter during Brunch Church a few weeks ago, and some conversation after church last week. Those who came, want to continue the discusussion. These are stand alone discussions so even if you haven’t been a part of previous discussions, YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME! I’ll bring printed copies to our discussion on Sunday morning. If you would like a copy of the letter sent to you, let me know. Here is a link to the Taize website if you want to read it online: https://www.taize.fr/en_article39682.html

For those interested in further discussion on hope and the Letter from Taize, we’ll be gathering in Rodda Hall on Sundays, after 10:am worship through the end of August. Feel free to get something to eat or drink at the refreshment table, then let’s meet in Rodda Hall from about 11:30am until 12:15pm 

All are welcome! Hope-filled or not!

With hope, and with trust,

Pastor Jeff

This Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service on August 24th includes members of the Instrumental Ensemble performing The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel S. Wesley arranged by Duane Funderbeek. Join us!

Our music groups will begin again in September for the new program season! The Covenant Choir will begin rehearsing on Sunday, August 7th at 8:45 a.m. in the Music Room. CUMC’s Instrumental Ensemble, Wesley Ringers, and Ukulele Orchestra will begin later. For more information contact Peter Hill, Director of Music Ministries at petepiano@mac.com. 

Chatham UMC has supported CUMAC in Paterson for many years as they have been a faithful expression of United Methodist compassion for those in need in the city of Paterson. CUMAC is celebrating their 40th Anniversary on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 5PM at the Westmount Country Club. Chatham UMC is invited! I am on their Board of Trustees and will be attending with my wife Julie. If you would like to carpool, let me know. Here are the links to RSVP: 40th Anniversary Celebration

With gratitude, and hope,

Jeff

Chatham United Methodist Church

460 Main Street

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973) 635-7740

Email: info@chathamumc.org