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Letter From the Pastor

September Newsletter 

This coming Sunday, at our combined worship service (10am), we will be singing the hymn “This is a Day of New Beginnings,” to celebrate both the many things that have happened over the last year and also the hopes we have for the new year ahead. For me, this hymn is like the reset song in the UM hymnal. It lifts up God’s past and future faithfulness, and allows us to focus on God’s promise of finding a new way forward.  

With a new year coming upon us, there are certainly many things we can be grateful for. A lot has happened over the last year which has not only been good and encouraging for our community of faith, but we have also been able to show the love of Christ with our local community through acts of service and through the many personal and congregational contributions given through our missions and outreach team. 

One thing I continue to hear is how welcoming we are, especially to the many AA groups which meet in our building. Although I won’t list everything we have done, I can relate with the apostle Paul when he writes “I thank God always for you, because of God’s grace that was given to you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Cor. 1:4) I am truly encouraged by the commitment of this congregation, even if things did not always work out the way we planned them. I am encouraged by our spirit of adventure, and our efforts to trust in God and each other as we tried new things. I am encouraged by the work of each of the teams and their leaders, and I look forward to the “hopeful” future God has in store for us.  

This coming Sunday, we will have “Rally Sunday,” which is meant to be a special day when we celebrate the start of a new church year. Although we do not yet have a Director of Music, I know SPRMT and others have gone above and beyond to secure someone for this position. We will continue to do so. It is a new season, and with a new season, we have a stewardship campaign which we will launch in the next couple of weeks. A lot of work has gone into it, and I want to take a moment and say “thank you” to the team and to Tom Hoke, who has led us so faithfully. 

I know that the last two years have been filled with many changes and transitions. It is my hope that as we begin this new year, those will begin to taper, and a time of more stability, creativity and growth will begin. Because I know this is all in God’s hands, I want to strongly encourage us to pray more for the things we are going through and also for the things we hope for. 

Please pray that as we begin this new year, we will grow spiritually and in numbers. Pray that God will call you and lead you into the places God needs you most. Pray that our church will be faithful and that our leaders will be guided by the Holy Spirit in their decisions. Pray that a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit will come and we will continually renew our commitment to unity, peace, justice and love for God and neighbor. Also, please pray for me, that my love for you and God may increase, and that I will be the spiritual leader this church needs “for such a time as this.” 

This is a Day of New Beginnings

Time to remember and move on

Time to believe what love is bringing 

Laying to rest the pain that’s gone. 

May it be so. 

Pastor René

Children and Youth

The School Bells are ringing! It’s time to Return to Sunday School. The plan is to offer Sunday School starting on September 15 (following week after Rally Sunday) during the 9:30 service for the following 3 separate grade levels:

1. K-4 – Will meet in the Sunday School Classrooms.
2. Route 56 (grades 5-6) – Will meet in the Youth Room, across from the Fitzgerald Room
3. Pier 270 (grades 7-12) – Will meet in the Pier 270 Rec Room – below the Fellowship Room.
4. Nursery will be open – we need to have a volunteer each week.

We are excited to create a morning of growing in God’s love. We need your enthusiasm and willingness to share what God’s love has provided you. We are inviting each of you to volunteer to serve as a teacher and/or assistant with each age group. This year Amy is going to work with the Route 56 youth; so we are in need of several dedicated congregants to lead the Sunday School lesson.

The Children have noted that they enjoy getting to know our JWUMC members on a personal level; so we would like to have a cadre of volunteers that could move throughout the age groups – for example; some may volunteer ever week; and others on a particular Sunday.

If you would like to talk to me or Bill Dorfner, Director of Children, Youth and Young Adults please email either or both of us here: Bill's email or my email.

Amy - CYYAMT Chair  

Monday Morning Bagels with Bill

For the first 3 Mondays of the new school year (Sept 9, 16, and 23) students in grades 5-12 have a chance to drop in, grab a bagel, see a friend or two (or more), share a prayer request, and have a chance to start their week in an uplifting way.   

I will be at Cape Cod Bagel from 6:30-8am in order to accommodate students from around the Falmouth area including those at FHS, Morse Pond, FCA, Lawrence, and more. Please note: Be sure to bring money for food if you are planning to eat. Transportation to school is not provided, so your ride gets to hang out too! Cape Cod Bagel is located at 419 Palmer Ave, Falmouth, MA

New Sunday School Classes for Students

I am very excited to announce that starting September 15 (the following week after Rally Sunday) we will begin offering weekly Sunday School classes dat 9:30am for the following 3 separate grade levels:

1. Children's Ministry (grades K-4)
2. Route 56 (grades 5-6)
3. Pier 270 (grades 7-12). 

Our K-4 group will meet in the children's classroom of the education wing. We will continue using the Simply Loved curriculum that we have been using for the k-4 group

Route 56 is a new offering for students entering the 5th and 6th grades this fall. They will meet in the youth room in the educational wing. We will be using Group Publishing’s "Live Daily" curriculum designed specifically for 5th-6th graders to help bridge the gap between children's ministry and youth ministry for 7-12 grade students. This will be the launch of our 5-6th grade student ministry. We have at least 5 students of 5th grade age this year. We have a great core group to build our 5-6th grade student ministry around!

On Rally Sunday (Sept 8th) we will be giving new student Bibles to all of our incoming 5th graders. This will be done during the church service and will be a great way to acknowledge their new journey and remind our congregation of the responsibility we all have to nurture our young people in their faith

Pier 270 is for 7-12 grade students, and will meet in the youth center. My hope is that having the Pier270 Sunday School class in the morning will provide an opportunity for students who haven't been able to come on Sunday night to be involved in student ministry through this new Sunday School class. We will start out with a 4 week Back to School edition of the Live Daily series, and then transition to Live Daily's Simple Truth curriculum where we will look at Biblical principles and how they relate to daily life. This also includes an app where students can sign up for daily Bible verses, life application tips, pic of the day, different ways to worship and pray, and more!

We believe this is a great way to help our students grow in their faith while offering opportunities for everyone on Sunday morning. As we work toward reaching out to people of all ages in our community, I believe this is a great step in providing a place where all people can feel welcome, loved, and can build community with their peers. Continuing updates will be made on our student ministry website, pier270.com.

We would love to hear from you!!! Please email youth.jwumc@gmail.com to let us know whether your student will be attending any of these classes, or if you would like to volunteer in some way. We want to make sure we are fully prepared with volunteers and resources for the fall! We look forward to seeing everyone on Rally Sunday (Sept 8th), and then in our new classes on September 15th!

THE MAIN EVENT

September 22, 5:30-7:30pm in the JWUMC Fellowship Hall

Grades 5-12

Join us for our monthly main event! This is our monthly combined event for grades 5-12. We will have pizza, snacks, drinks, games, music, prizes, and more. Friends are welcome too! 

QUEST is the young(er) adult ministry at JWUMC. Let’s face it, “adulting” isn’t nearly as fun as we thought it would be when we were younger. Priorities, responsibilities, jobs, college, training, careers, bills, changes in relationships, and finding out who you are as an individual on your own can be daunting. So why do it alone? Whether you are just out of high school or into your 30s, we want to provide a community of support and fun to help you along life’s journey. Come join us for one of our events!

We had a nice time at Pastor Rene and Wanda’s house this past month. It was great getting to know everyone better and sharing some laughs!  Looking forward to this month, we have more opportunities to have some fun and build community. Here they are!

September Events

Team Trivia: Thursday, September 5th, 7:30pm-9pm: Trivia Night at Aquatic Brewing

Join us as we form a team and compete against others in a game of team trivia. There is usually a food truck available outside, and they also allow outside food if you wish to bring something to snack on. Aquatic is at 661 Main St. in Falmouth. 

Coffee and Comedy House: Tuesday, September 17th, 7-9pm: Coffee and Comedy House at JWUMC

Come join us for coffee and other snacks and beverages while we hang out and enjoy watching some clean comedy and having fun conversations. We’ll meet in the youth center in back of the church.

Are you already planning to be at John Wesley for worship on Sunday mornings this fall? Starting September 15, enrich your worship experience with deeper connection and greater growth in a Sunday Small Group! At 9:30 (for 11:00 worshippers) and at 10:50 (for 9:30 worshippers), join a 6-week Small Group to read and discuss On Purpose: Finding God's Voice in your Passion. Get to know the people you worship with better, as together you learn to open yourselves to God's voice, channel your passions as an individual, and take the next step to follow God's call. 

Please sign up at the Connection Desk. Books will be on sale there and in the church office. Contact: jennifer.v.linton@gmail.com

The Spiritual Growth Team is excited to announce a new opportunity for everyone in our John Wesley family to connect with each other: Dinner & Discussion, one Saturday per month in the Fellowship Hall. Starting at 5:30pm, enjoy a potluck supper while connecting with others around a big family table. Each month we'll have a guided discussion on a different subject to help us take our conversations deeper, get to know each other better, and grow in faith.  Anyone of any age is invited, including children (sometimes kids ask the best questions and have great insight!). The first Dinner and Discussion will be Saturday, September 21, 5:30-7:00. Please RSVP to jennifer.v.linton@gmail.com when you decide what you're bringing to the potluck. Everyone is welcome, even if you don't RSVP.

Starting Tuesday, September 17 at 10am, join us for an enlightening Bible study in the Fitzgerald Room! In this study, lead by Betty Smith, we’re diving into Josh Scott’s insightful book, Context: Exploring the Chapter Behind the Verse. Josh Scott unpacks the historical and cultural backdrop of familiar Scriptures, offering fresh perspectives and deeper understanding. Don’t miss this chance to explore the true meanings behind the verses and enrich your faith journey! Book can be ordered on Amazon or Cokesbury.

Attention all community members!

Rally Day 2024 is set for Sunday, September 8th, and we're gearing up for an incredible event. To make it truly memorable, we need volunteers to help bring it all together. We're in need of some delicious contributions to our potluck spread. If you can help, we would greatly appreciate donations of potato salad, green salad or Caesar salad, watermelon salad, fruit bowl or tray, cookies, key lime pie, or brownies. If you’re able to contribute, please reach out to Maryellen Geoghan with details of what you can bring. Your support will make Rally Day a fantastic success for everyone involved!

Attention John Wesley Friends!!!

As we prepare for our festive Christmas Fair, we’re excited to announce that we need your help to make our Silent Auction a sparkling success! This year, we’re aiming to create a wide variety of themed gift baskets, and we need physical baskets to fill with delightful goodies.

How You Can Help:

Donate Physical Baskets: We’re looking for baskets of all shapes and sizes to create our themed gift baskets. If you have any spare baskets or can provide new ones, your donation would be greatly appreciated!

Invitation and Connection ~ Lianne Carbone

Men's Breakfast ~ Matt O'Connor

Men’s Breakfast Returns this Fall!

Gentlemen of John Wesley, mark your calendars for the resumption of Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, September 28th at 8:00 am! Plan to join us for this monthly event as we explore both spiritual and secular topics of interest to or specific to men living in our changing and challenging world. Further details for the September breakfast will be forthcoming. If you have questions or would like to help with Men’s Breakfast, please contact Matt O’Connor by clicking the button below.

Calling All Canners and Preservers! If you are one of those folks who likes to create jams, jellies, pickles, applesauce, relish, oils or any other jarred or bottled delights, please consider making some of your products available for sale at the Christmas Fair in November. If you’d like to contribute something or have questions about how you might be able to help, please reach out to Matt O’Connor at oconnorscapecod@gmail.com. 

To all: Thanks again to all who participated in our parking event for the Falmouth Road Race. We have some totals on our donations that I wanted to pass along. We collected: $ 1,595.62 total between cash and Venmo! We parked 190 vehicles for an average donation of $8.40, and we're still getting more Venmo donations. We had a great day. The weather was good for both the runners and our volunteers, and we got lots of "Thanks for doing this" and "So glad you're here" and "I look forward to this every year".  

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Steve Adams

Chair of Trustees

JWUMC

Moving Forward by Putting a New Spin on an Old Idea

By Bill Dorfner

If you know me at all, you’ll know that some of my least favorite phrases are: “Well, we used to”, “We’ve always done”, and “Before Covid.” These phrases often bother me because I try very hard to look at things from a forward looking perspective. Trying to do things the same way all the time doesn’t allow for new experiences. It limits our imaginations and creativity, and causes us to be stuck in a rut. I do, however, recognize that sometimes circumstances force us to stop doing things that are good, and life gets in the way of returning to them later. I have known people who were working on college degrees and had to stop for a life event, never to return. On a personal note, I was running 5k races and working out regularly before knee surgery took me away. We have probably all had events or changes in life that stopped us from doing things that were good, perhaps never to return. 

Over the last 4 years, many organizations have completely changed the way they operate. In some ways, there have been some positive changes. I feel we are more adaptable than we have ever been in the way things are done. Still, there are some things that were left behind, and in the process, have left a void that needs to be filled. New skills and methods have been learned, but previous ways of doing things that worked have sometimes been forgotten.

One such void in our church is offering Sunday School to all ages. Building on our understanding of the Bible and of God’s love for us is imperative if we want to then go out and make disciples of others. If we want to make disciples of others, we first have to be disciples ourselves. The word “disciple” means “follower or student.” That is why we are adding opportunities on Sunday mornings for Bible Study and Sunday School. While the classes, times, or structures might look different than before, we are returning to a past concept where we can learn from each other and make an even better future. 

Another aspect of Sunday School is that it builds community. One of the biggest voids left in our society has been the feeling of togetherness. Some of my best friends throughout my life came from Sunday School classes I attended. As a child, these were the kids I hung out with outside of church and invited to birthday parties. As an adult, these were also the people I hung out with outside of church and invited to birthday parties! A Sunday School class is more than just a bible lesson. Rather, it is a chance for all who attend to grow in their knowledge of God’s word, dive deeper into their faith, and build deeper, meaningful relationships with those around them.

I sincerely hope that everyone will consider attending a Bible study or Sunday School class during one of the time slots this fall. Let’s all move forward toward a bright future for our church by returning to a new version of an old idea!

A history of Methodists in Falmouth 

A new booklet, “Stories From The Archives”, will be available soon. It contains all 27 articles about our church’s history that appeared in our newsletter, The Wesleyan. Long-time John Wesley members enjoyed the memories the stories evoked when they first appeared. Newer people will find them informative and even inspiring. This note is on the back cover of the booklet:

Curiosity about the contents of some tattered cardboard boxes labeled “Historic - to be sorted”, found in a church closet, led author Ken Peal to put together stories from the church’s past. Some were old: a hand-written record of the night the Woods Hole church was formed in 1884. Some were long: minutes of trustees meetings starting in 1919. Some were tragic: the night a young man was killed while crossing the street on his way home from an MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) meeting. But taken together these stories offer a portrait of a vibrant, dedicated church.

If you would like a copy, send a note to kpeal42@gmail.com, or leave your name at the church office. There is no charge, we want the stories to be widely available and enjoyed by everyone.

A New Book in the John Wesley library

It’s actually an old book (1967) that has recently been donated to our library and it has a local twist. Titled “Twelve Came Riding”, it describes a special commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of Methodism in America by twelve Methodist ministers in the spring of 1966 who rode on horseback from their home conferences to General Conference in Baltimore – like circuit riders of old.

One of them was Karen Camp’s father, Reverend John L Camp, now deceased. The event reenacted the lives of Methodist circuit riders of the 18^th century who brought the church to people in the untamed wilderness of colonial America. When the modern reenactment was first announced, 130 ministers applied. Eventually twelve were selected and our John Camp was among them. Although he was eager to participate, in his chapter of the book he says he had one serious handicap – “I could count on the fingers of both hands the number of hours I had been on horseback, all riding academy horses.” But he succeeded, with help from his wife, Joan (also now passed) and driven by “a message from the holy spirit: ‘Evangelism, John. Here is a unique way to witness.’”

But there are eleven other stories too. Their real and varied experiences make this a heartwarming tale of towns and people and religion all over America. Dressed in the period costumes of circuit riders, they preached on street corners, visited hospitals and talked at schools, and were greeted by the public: the curious, the admirers, the sceptics, the believers. A truly unique report of an unusual historical event in the life story of the Methodist Church.

The book is out of print, so the copy we have is not new. But it’s a treasure to enjoy so please borrow it from the library, treat it carefully and return it for others to read. If you have trouble finding it in the library, ask our librarian who happens to be that the same Karen Camp!

Prayer Chain 

The prayer chain is on a confidential email. The prayer requests are sent out, and the team prayer warriors are asked to pray for those requests. We generally keep them on the list for about a month (I check in at the month’s end). If you are interested in joining in praying for others, contact Karen Camp at 508-737-1636 or nerakpmac13@gmail.com.

Prayer Team

    On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, there is a prayer team to pray for those who would like to have confidential prayers for themselves or others. If you are interested in joining as a prayer team member, contact Karen Camp at 508-737-1636 or nerakpmac13@gmail.com

Wednesday Prayer Group 

    On Wednesdays at 11am, there is a prayer group to pray for those who would like to have prayers for themselves or others. If you are interested in joining as a prayer group member or have prayer requests, contact the pastor or the church office.

Greeters  

YOU are needed! Hello! Welcome! Good Morning! Thanks for coming to JWUMC! Greeters are the first impression to our church. 

If you are interested in being part of the welcome, contact Karen Camp 508-737-1636 or nerakpmac13@gmail.com.

Trustees   

   Trust in the trustees! 

   Treat yourself to be a kid again and check out the newly scraped and painted playground upkeep. 

    Check out the bulletin board near the kitchen for updates of recently completed maintenance on our church building. Enjoy the article/thank YOU on the Falmouth Road Race in the newsletter. Quite a number of John Wesley members wore their red shirts and participated in the walk. We provided free parking, bananas, water, and watermelon for race participants

Card Ministry 

We like to celebrate the birthdays of members with a card!

If you know of someone from JWUMC who is ill or could use a “thinking of you” card, contact Karen Camp at 508-737-1636 

or nerakpmac13@gmail.com.

Library

Take advantage of the great opportunity available to you! The library is located in the Lyman Lounge just down the hallway outside the sanctuary. There are great literary treasures there for you to take one or leave one!

 Changing Our World this month is for Habitat For Humanity. 

Falmouth Service Center's Food Pantry is looking for Cheerio's, Apple Juice, Raisin Bran and Mayonnaise.

Our next meeting is September 18th at 6 pm in the Fitzgerald room. Please join us if you have a passion to help our neighbors in need. Email me at bvaladecc@comcast.net if you would like to attend. 

Deuteronomy 15:11 " For the poor will never cease to be in the land: therefore I command you, saying, you shall open your hand wide unto your brother, to the poor, and to the needy".

Bonnie Valade

If you’re looking for me, I would search the chapel, office, and the Fitzgerald room where there is air conditioning. I am so delighted to hang out in the garden in front of the church as there is always something blooming! The church really has gorgeous grounds so many thanks to all the people involved in keeping them looking neat and beautiful!

I am so enjoying all the volunteers who are singing or playing special music in the summer to help enhance our worship! Thanks! Many thanks to those people who prepare & serve the monthly communion elements as it is such a moving part of worship!

The missions committee group is supporting many different organizations. Check out the donations service center box in the fellowship hall. Also, look at the bulletin board for other ways that you can help them complete missions for the world in the name of our Lord!



You also may find me on Sunday mornings hanging out under the media booth. They work hard! Last week I had to watch the streaming as I think I ate some dodgy cheese. I am learning so much about the importance of wires so I don’t chew on them anymore!

You can find out what’s going on with the church between the service, the website, or the bulletin boards lining the fellowship hall. I know I like to know what’s going on. You never know when there might be an event where a crumb or two is dropped.

Here’s a shout out to the finance committee & treasurer for counting the offering, bills, pledge statements, investment management, and more! They are rocking it, according to the scuttle-but. I don’t use money in my world, but I know it’s important in yours! I’m sure it’s a huge job!

 Thank you to Lyndsey for putting together a wonderful newsletter each month. Thanks to all of you that contribute. Once I read it, it makes a wonderful nest for me.

Best summer wishes,

The JWUMC mouse

Birthday Wishes for September: 

Let us celebrate life among our church family. ~2nd Bobye Anderson ~10th Helen Bresnahan ~30th Julie Immelt Wheldon



It's a great thing to have a birthday, a gift from God. Please give your birthday information by recording it on the calendar on the Fellowship bulletin board.