Rudy Savoie

Rudy Savoie was born on July 12, 1931 and entered Life Eternal on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Rudy and his wife Marjorie have been faithful members of Chatham UMC for over 50 years. They loved the people and ministries of this Christian community, and we loved them. Rudy was a member of many committees over the years. In his final years he was a member of the finance team that counted the offering and entered contributions into the computer. Up until the last few years, Rudy loved to make music with the Chatham UMC Brass Ensemble. He mentored and encouraged younger musicians, and loved to play in the Sanctuary, on the front lawn of the church, or on a float in the July 4^th Parade that would ride by our church each year. He exemplified the scriptures that encourage us to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” (Psalm 100:1)

As the affirmation of faith #883 in the UM Hymnal concludes, let us also affirm: 

In life, in death, in life beyond death,

God is with us.

We are not alone.

Thanks be to God.

Cards of love and condolence can be sent to Marjorie, care of Rudy and Marjorie’s son Mark Savoie

1221 Spaulding Ave SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

There will be a private service for Rudy at a date to be determined.



The family has chosen that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Rudy’s favorite ministries of making homes safer, warmer and dryer: Chatham UMC RISE.

An email from a faithful member of our online congregation: Ruth Barney



Ruth was a member of Chatham UMC for many years before she and her husband Dick moved to NY State. During the pandemic she reconnected with our church through our online ministry. She wrote the following this past Sunday, January 21, 2024:

Jeff,

I just streamed this week's message as I do every Sunday. I continue to find each message a thoughtful and meaningful insight for my life, but I was particularly moved to find you in that kitchen today, which, in the part shown, looks exactly as I remember it: bulletin board, coffee maker and refrigerator. It brought so many memories of sharing with others in that kitchen -- coffee hour, antique show, Friday Niters -- so many years ago, and I felt an amazing continuity in my life even though I've traveled far from Chatham and my life has changed dramatically over the past 20 years.  

I am, indeed, blessed that your messages, which I find so resonant with what I have come to believe and what I need for my own faith at this point in my life, are connecting me back to the congregation, the pastors like Bob Simpson and Dale Forsman, and the experiences which were so influential and joyful as Dick and I raised our family in Chatham.

With deep gratitude,

Ruth

P.S. Your tribute to Rudy Savoie also brought memories of good times shared with Rudy and Marge, sadness to learn of this loss for Marge and the family, but also joy in remembering both of them.    

Adult Discussion Group

This Sunday we’ll read about Jesus’ casting out a demon who recognizes Jesus and is angry with him. See Mark 1:21-28. While we don’t typically speak of demons these days, we do talk often about illnesses and fears. How do you overcome a fear or muster up courage to face the fear? What’s happening when you do face and overcome the fear? How do you feel afterwards? Come join us after worship in the Asbury Room at 11:15am. I’ll see you then. Ron Yarger: ryarger@optonline.net

This Sunday’s 10:00am service will feature Leah Van Doornik, horn with Peter Hill, piano performing One Summer’s Day by Joe Hisaishi. 

The Ukulele Orchestra will next practice together on Saturday, January 27th at 10:00am online and in person. For more information contact Peter Hill, Director of Music Ministries at petepiano@mac.com.

Chatham UMC’s sanctuary will host a historic joint recital of two local music clubs: The Suburban Music Study Club and the Plainfield Musical Club on Sunday afternoon, February 11th at 3:00pm. The program will feature two noted performers from each club: Paul DiDario, piano, Jonathan Morales, voice accompanied by Peter Hill, piano, Sophia Agranovich, piano, and Viviana Kaszubski, voice, accompanied by Hannah Comia. All are invited to this free recital with refreshments following the performance. 

To donate online, please click on the image.

Chatham United Methodist Church

460 Main Street

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973) 635-7740

Email: info@chathamumc.org