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Letter From the Pastor

Com⋄mu⋄ni⋄ty - Rai⋄sing: Actions designed to bring people together, strengthen relationships, build a sense of belonging and share the love of Christ with the community.

Dear Church family, As I look back over the past month, my heart is full. Truly, God has been moving among us in so many beautiful, surprising, and both ordinary and extraordinary ways.

We started November with the sacredness of All Saints’ Sunday. It was a joy to see many of the families of members whom we loved and remember join us for the day. We also welcomed Rev. Dr. David Abbott, and his wife Lisa, who preached for us and whose presentation on “Putting Your House in Order” I felt, was a gentle nudge toward the things that matter most but we often neglect. A few days later, we paused for Veterans Day, honoring those who’ve carried the weight of military service. Both moments were meaningful and felt like holy ground.

Our Men’s Breakfast gathered again, around two of the most sacred things, food and coffee. 😬 Ted Burt led the men in a thoughtful discussion on church growth. It was insightful and, as I sat there, I wished as a church, we had more of those conversations. I felt encouraged and inspired. We also had our monthly Dinner and Discussion, and although we were small, we were mighty and had time for a good honest conversation. Just a week or so ago, we were blessed to hear from Allison, sharing her latest update from her missionary journey. Her compassion for the people she serves is admirable. 

Mid-month brought one of the happiest whirlwinds we host each year: our Christmas Fair. I felt the energy. I sensed the aroma of baked goods, especially Shoofly Pie 😋. I saw the smiles and the steady stream of neighbors, and I thanked God for the many volunteers doing a hundred different things with joy. It felt alive and what a joy it was! It wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was a community-raiser.

And just before the fair came one of my favorite dessert traditions: apple pie…making. I am almost sure that if Methodist churches had a smell, it might just be cinnamon and warm apples. Feels like a holiday everyday! 🥳 And speaking of food and smells. Last Monday, we launched our new “Come to the Table” breakfast for our neighbors who are unhoused. It’s simple, warm, and compassionate. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to make this happen. You are embodying the love of Christ in a way that makes the Gospel visible. It’s community-raising!

And now… Advent is here! I’m really excited about our new worship theme: “Angels Among Us.” We’ll continue to look at the angel encounters in Scripture, but also talk about the ways God still sends messages and messengers into our lives today. You’ll also notice our Angel Wings Display in the narthex/lobby. It’s ready for selfies and photos… hop in front of it and grab a picture. It’s a fun way to mark the season. (if you post it on social media, don’t forget to mention us).

I am also thrilled to invite you, your friends, neighbors, and visiting family to two special celebrations: Experience Christmas — our outdoor, interactive event with a Live Nativity, Live Music, S’mores and hot chocolate, Reading of the Nativity Story, Building luminaries and Christmas Caroling. And of course, our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service — always one of the most meaningful moments of the year.

Family and Friends, this last month was busy, but in the best possible way. There’s a lot to celebrate, and there’s even more to look forward to. Thank you for being a church that shows up, loves well, serves boldly, and keeps welcoming people in. I’m grateful for you. And I’m excited for this next season together.



With warmth and appreciation,

Pastor René

As we enter this sacred season of anticipation and joy, our church has once again been transformed into a place of beauty and welcome—thanks to the many loving hands who took part in the Hanging of the Greens.

To everyone who climbed ladders, fluffed garlands, untangled lights, arranged poinsettias, dusted, swept, organized, or simply offered encouragement and fellowship: thank you. Your time, creativity, and cheerful spirits have made our worship space glow with the warmth and hope of Advent.

This tradition is more than decorating; it is an act of shared ministry. Each ribbon tied and each wreath hung reminds us that preparing the church for the season is something we do together, as one family in Christ. 

Now that our sanctuary is beautifully prepared, we joyfully look ahead to the meaningful services and gatherings of the Advent and Christmas season. We invite everyone to join us as we continue to celebrate the theme “Angels Among Us… Fear Not” and experience the hope, comfort, and wonder this season brings.

Celebrate the Christmas Season at John Wesley United Methodist Church!

• Blue Christmas Service – December 17 at 6 PM: A gentle, contemplative service for anyone carrying grief, hardship, or loss this season. This quiet space offers comfort, reflection, and the assurance that you are not alone.

• A Christmas Experience – December 24 from 4–6 PM: An interactive, family-friendly, open-house–style gathering that brings the Christmas story to life. Explore hands-on stations, reflect at your own pace, and enjoy a meaningful Christmas Eve experience. Arrive anytime between 4 and 6 PM.

• Christmas Eve Service – December 24 at 7 PM: Our traditional Christmas Eve worship service, filled with Scripture, carols, candlelight, and the joyful message of Christ’s birth. All are welcome as we celebrate the arrival of hope and light into the world.

See you in church

Betty Smith

Spiritual Growth ~ Jenn Linton

Advent Book Study #1 : Calling All Angels

Join us this Advent season as we journey together through Calling All Angels by Erin Wathen—a thoughtful and inspiring reflection on finding hope, peace, joy, and love in the midst of everyday life. Come for meaningful conversation and spiritual connection as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Book Study Times

Tuesdays at 10:30 AM — Fitzgerald Room - starting Dec. 2nd

Wednesdays at 2:00 PM — Local Grounds, Cataumet - starting Dec. 3rd

 Thursdays at 2:30 PM — JW Library - starting Dec. 4th

All are welcome—come to any session that fits your schedule!

Sign up at the Connection Desk in the Fellowship Hall 

or contact the office at 508-548-3050

Books are available in the office for $15.00

or can be purchased online

Advent Book Study #2 : Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Join us this Advent as we explore Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Andy and Ann Langford—a beautiful guide to preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. Each week offers thoughtful reflection, scripture, and discussion to help us experience the hope and promise of the season together.

All are welcome to share in this meaningful Advent journey!

Book Study Time - starting Dec. 1st

Mondays at 6:00 PM — JW Library



Sign up at the Connection Desk in the Fellowship Hall or contact the office at 508-548-3050

Books are available in the office for $15.00 or can be purchased online

The Social Justice Team needs to put out the following request for donations, on an ongoing basis:

The Social Justice Team needs donations of name-brand canned fruit (e.g. pears, peaches, pineapple, mandarins or cherries) to use during the new Monday morning brunch ministry. The request for name brands is to ensure consistent quality. Please label your donation "Bonnie Valade" and drop it off in the church kitchen any time the church is open. These items will be needed on an ongoing basis, through April. 

Thanks! 

Jenn Linton

Outreach and Missions ~ Donna Fish

Outreach and Missions ~ Donna Fish

Each month our team discusses the many ways we can support missionary work locally and internationally. We update our Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall to show various missions including Thank You Letters. Posted are new updates from two Missionaries our team and church support, Allison Deyo and Dr. Bella.

All are welcomed to our meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00 pm in the Fitzgerald room.

If interested or willing to join our team please contact any member of our Team:

Marge Dean, Penny Dean, Kate Finemore, Tracy Jackel, Nancy Peterson, Marie Syverson, Anne Tupper, Bonnie Valade, and Donna Fish, Chairperson

Changing our World for November and December is Pastor’s Discretionary Fund here at John Wesley. Our Pastor uses the funds to help members of the community who need temporary help.

Thank you for all your contributions to all our Changing Our World programs.

Please review the bulletin board and learn how your Mission Dollars are spent.

As always, the box for food donations is in the Fellowship Hall near our Bulletin Board. 

Please donate food for the Falmouth Service Center on Gifford Street by placing your donations in the box. 

The food most needed for November is posted on the box.

It’s Staff Appreciation Time!

Staff Parish Relations Ministry Team is kicking off our annual staff appreciation campaign this week. Over the next three weeks we ask the congregation consideration in supporting this campaign. We have an outstanding staff that ensures John Wesley functions flawlessly on a daily basis. 

You can contribute by

• using the red envelopes in the pews,
• mail or drop off your donation at the church office
• or click “Give on Line” on the John Wesley's website using the Select Fund drop down menu select Staff Appreciation Fund. 

Please have all donations in by December 15th. 

HELLO JWUMC CRAFTERS

We just had a very successful craft table at our recent Holiday Fair. We are a small but mighty group. We meet the first Monday of each month at 1:00 in the Fitzgerald Room. 
We discuss what sells and what we might make for the next fair. We are looking for new crafters with new ideas to join us.

Please see Marge Dean, Cynthia Smith or Linda Duane with any questions.

Celebration of Your Life:

A Project to Get to Know You Better

Our Unique Stories Matter

As a Connection Church, we believe that every individual carries a unique and invaluable story. By sharing these stories, we strengthen our connections and grow together as a community. Understanding your journey and what makes you who you are, is important to us.

Sharing Your Story

We want to know: What would you like us to know about you? In what ways has your faith shaped and influenced your life? Pastor Rene values these insights deeply, as they help him provide the pastoral care that each member needs and deserves.

How We Will Celebrate Your Life

To begin this meaningful work, Tracy Jaekel, Certified Lay Minister, will engage with our congregation in two ways:

• Tracy will personally interview individuals who may have difficulty attending group classes, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share their story.

• In January, Tracy will facilitate a four-week class titled “Let’s Create a CELEBRATION OF YOUR LIFE,” guiding participants through the process of reflecting on and celebrating their personal journeys

We have a Spotify Account!!

Listen to past sermons and scripture readings

Anytime, Anywhere!

Click here to view our podcast!

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.

Trustees   

Maintaining the physical assets of JWUMC is the Trustees’ job. 

If you are leaving the church, please feel free to close the fellowship doors, sanctuary doors, Sunday School wing doors, and the library door. This is a fire prevention task and is encouraged.

    Recently, the trustees (and friends as well as professionals) have:

• installed the left side altar railing
• replaced weather-stripping on the front door
• repaired the Sunday School wing toilet
• replaced the furnace filters
• passed an emergency light inspection
• sent a town building report
• fixed the water leak
• installed Fitzgerald room doorknobs
• and repaired the backyard shed. 

Other maintenance and projects for the building care are under way.

Card Ministry 

If you know of someone who’s ill, has lost a loved one, or could use a “thinking of you” card, or some other reason, etc., contact Karen: 5087371636 or nerakpmac13@gmail.com. At JWUMC we like to care for each other, & cards are one way to do so.

Happy birthday to you! There’s a calendar in the Office for you to put your birthday on, if you haven’t already been receiving cards or are new to JWUMC. This is what is used to update the birthday card list. Thank you very much! Happy birthday to you!  

Library

Try using a Post-it note (on a shelf on the left bookcase) to write a review/comment & put it inside the book. It’s helpful for the person who’s considering reading the book. There are great literary treasures there in the library for you to take one or leave one! There’s also a sample basket below the missions bulletin board to peruse. Here are 2 examples of recent donations! 

This is the French toast recipe from coffee hour that Maryellen brought. It’s from a friend who owns Quashnet Valley Grille in Mashpee.

French Toast Casserole (Dawn)

350 degrees 45 minutes covered and 10 uncovered

2 loafs brioche bread or sour dough you can mix them all together (whatever is on sale) cut into inch pieces 

3 cups heavy whipping cream 

1 cup milk 

10 eggs 

1/2 cup maple syrup 

2 tablespoons vanilla extract 

1/4 cup sugar 

Teaspoon of cinnamon  

3/4 cup brown sugar 

3/4 stick of butter 

In bowl mix cream, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and white sugar. 

Pour over bread and mix lightly not to soak or tear the bread.

Mix butter and brown sugar and place small scoops all around the casserole.

Cover overnight, cook, and enjoy 

Even though I am not a member of JWUMC, I so appreciate the opportunity to share with you my insights on the wonderful goings on here!

Wow, now how amazing was that church fair! It was so much fun! Thank you so very much for all your shopping and your very hard work, everyone!!! I found so many treasures! Can you believe how much money was raised?!

Have you noticed all the repairs that have been done around the church by the trustees & friends?! Thanks, everyone!!

Don’t you just love how somebody takes care of the altar each week?! I think I would like to be part of the altar guild. I wish I was tall enough to check, light, and extinguish the candles as a part of the altar guild. I hear you can check with Betty if you’d like to join and enhance the service.

Committees & chairs switch up in January. There are so many you can choose from to join: worship, trustees, TLT, missions, spiritual growth, altar, music, hospitality, welcoming, finance, counters, hanging of the greens, church fair, thrift store, ushers, greeters, SPRMT, Sunday School, and more!

I think I have 2 committees that I am going to join. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Guest speakers/presenters have been such a blessing this fall! Our thanks to all of them for enhancing our services! Praise the Lord!

A Blue Christmas service will be on December 21st at 4:00 at JWUMC for those who may find the holiday celebration difficult due to grief or some other reason. It should be helpful and a blessing.

I’ve been asked to sing Elvis’ “Blue Christmas”!

Happy birthday! I need to get my name on the calendar in the fellowship hall so I can get a birthday card in May! Then I can join everybody for lunch on the second Tuesday in May to celebrate!

Merry Christmas!

Your JWUMC Church Mouse

Birthday Wishes for December: 

Let us celebrate life among our church family.

~1st Phyllis Hunt ~18th Gerry Quesnel ~ 19th Kenzie Phillips and Mark Karsner ~ 26th Michelle Lowry



It's a great thing to have a birthday, a gift from God. Please give your birthday information by recording it on the calendar in the Church Office or emailing the church office.