Staff Christmas Lunch

This past Thursday December 7, 2023 the CUMC staff gathered for our final monthly meeting of 2023 followed by or annual Christmas luncheon with the CMP ladies. We are always grateful to have this joyful time together before we shift gears and finalize our Christmas preparations.

A Special Announcement

Sami Main, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, made a planned announcement after church on Sunday, December 10, 2023 that due to various reasons, she will be will no longer be able to continue on the staff of the Chatham UMC. Sami has enjoyed her short time of ministry here at Chatham UMC and so have many in our congregation. We are grateful that Pastor Sharon will give leadership to the faith formation and Christian education that happens on Sunday mornings on an interim basis until a new person can be hired. Pastor Jeff will take on the planning of the RISE mission trip in July, 2024 until a new person can be hired.

On January 14, 2024 immediately following the worship service there will be a brief reception in Rodda Hall of thanks and blessing for Sami as she takes these next steps in her life.

You’re Invited!

Advent Small Groups



All Are Welcome – in Person or via Zoom

Our Small Groups offer an opportunity to connect more deeply with God and with one another. Groups will gather weekly for one hour to discuss

“Amy Ekeh’s Advent, Season of Divine Encounter helps us look closely at three key Scripture passages to recall, recognize, and anticipate the ways God comes into our lives and our world.” Print and electronic editions of the book may be purchased at amazon.com, and a wide variety of other online booksellers.



Groups will meet in hybrid format in-person in the Asbury Room and via Zoom:

Sundays (12/17) at 11:15 am, facilitated by Ron Yarger. To participate, contact Ron at ryarger@optonline.net

Mondays (12/18) at noon facilitated by Pastor Sharon Yarger. To participate, contact Sharon at scyarger@optonline.net

Adult Discussion Group

For the third Sunday of Advent we focus on Anticipating the Fullness of Encounter with Christ. When do you think Christ will come again, and why hasn’t he come by now? The Apostle Peter says, “the Day of the Lord will come as a thief.” And, how are we to prepare for this next arrival of Christ? Come join us in the Asbury Room – Sundays after worship at 11:15am.

Sunday, December 17th's 10:00am service will feature the Wesley Ringers ringing the Austrian carol, Still, Still, Still and the Covenant Choir singing Mark Sirett’s Thou Shalt Know Him. Join us!

The Ukulele Orchestra will next meet in-person and online Saturday, December 23rd at 10:00am. in the Asbury Room and on Zoom. For more information contact Peter Hill at petepiano@mac.com.

The Suburban Music Study Club will host the first recital of the new year in our sanctuary on Monday, January 8th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring Carolyn Enger, piano, and Merynda Adams, harp, all are invited to this gentle “Music For the New Year” themed candle-lit recital. Audience members will have the opportunity to light a candle of hope. 

Christmas Poinsettia Order Forms are available!

The CUMC Missions Committee has selected the following organizations to receive

this year's contributions:

Local: CUMC Food Pantry

National: UMCOR Disaster Response

International: Hospital #5 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The beautiful poinsettia display at Christmas time has always been the hallmark of the Advent Celebration. If you wish to participate you can pick up an order form from outside the Sanctuary, from the Church Office, or if you prefer, you can download one here and print it at home.

Order forms must be returned to the office by Sunday, December 17^th

Welcoming New Members to the Chatham UMC

If you would like to become a member of the Chatham UMC, please contact Rev. Jeff Markay at 973-635-7740 or revjmarkay@earthlink.net.

We thank God for the new people whom God leads to the Chatham UMC. Every new member of this community, makes God’s dreams for this community that much more complete!

Pick-up for all orders will be Sunday, Dec. 17th following service. Won't be around that day? Contact Sami Main to set up an alternate date.

A Note from our Lay Leaders

Dear Friends,

It has been our Congregation’s annual tradition to give a gift during the Christmas season to each member of our Church staff. We plan to give the gifts to the staff by Friday, December 22^nd.

If you wish to participate, please mail your check to the address below, or give it to one of us before or after the service. Checks should be made out to the Chatham United Methodist Church, with the memo line indicating Staff Christmas Gift, or, if you are familiar with our online donation service via Vanco, you may make a payment by going to our website at www.chathamumc.org, click on the “Make a Donation” button and follow the instructions. Please use the “Other-Miscellaneous” field to enter your payment amount. If you need assistance with using our online donation service, please email our Finance Manager, Zrinka Cvetkovic at finmgr@chathamumc.org.

Chatham United Methodist Church

Attn: Co-Lay Leaders

460 Main Street

Chatham, NJ 07928

Thank you,

Chris Fillimon and Hal Burlingame

Co-Lay Leaders

Chatham United Methodist Church

460 Main Street

Chatham, NJ 07928

(973) 635-7740

Email: info@chathamumc.org