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Letter From the Pastor

Most stories of letting go in my life have been bittersweet and difficult. Except for a few, many of them have had to do with letting go of something or someone I deeply cared about. In letting go, I’ve been either forced to do something I don’t want to do, or I can choose to receive it as an invitation to begin anew. Often, neither are easy to do. It’s all about the change, especially the one that feels closest and most intimate. So, in this newsletter, I would like to share some thoughts about some of these changes that feel closer to home. This home, our Falmouth John Wesley home. Hopefully, it does feel like home to you.

There is no doubt that change isn’t always welcomed. There is something about it that feels like an uninvited stranger in our house. It’s unfamiliar. It is never the same. We don’t know what to expect of it. Yet, when it comes, we need to figure out how to live with it, unless we decide to show it the door, so to speak. But change is a part of life. It’s like the wind. It comes and goes and we don’t know why or from where. But change, as uncheerful as it may sound, is a big green neon sign on the side of the road that reads “this way to your new home.”  It’s a new beginning. 

Change can also be an opportunity to grow, or perhaps a simple red sign that reads “new lane ahead,” or “wrong turn.” I hope you get the point. Regardless of what it may be, it seems wiser that the best way to handle it is to embrace its path as an invitation for it to take us where we need to go. One downside to it, however, is that it can feel like the end of a peaceful road we enjoyed and loved. But the upside can also be an invitation to experience the vibrant and picturesque colors of a new autumn day. 

This is definitely true for us here at John Wesley. Over the past year, we have had to do both. We have both welcomed and said goodbye. We have had to let go of the familiar to try the unknown and new. 

Soon, we will be saying goodbye to our beloved, Ruth. She is and has been an amazing church administrator for many years. We will miss her smile, her caring words and demeanor, her innocent yet mischievous giggle, her amazing compassion for everyone who visits John Wesley, her ability to listen even when her day is already too busy, and her mad computer skills. Like you, I will miss Ruth too. We will also miss Moriah, who has now graduated high school and has landed a great job, which will take her away from being with us on Sundays. Change happens, but even when it can feel like sadness, it can also be a time for hopeful new beginnings. 

I also think of George and Hannah (and Oz), who both served as staff but have now embraced their own new beginnings. But like I said, even when change feels like sadness, it can also be a time for hopeful beginnings. Sometimes the best way to handle it is to put ourselves on its path and see where it takes us. So, as we begin this new season of Advent (and change), I invite us to place ourselves on its path of faith and trust that God will bring us through it. 

Pastor René

Children and Youth

Sunday School: Every Sunday at 9:30am and 11am for Kindergarten-4th grade

We're Using Simply Loved Curriculum. Our children stay with their loved ones in Church at the start of the service; after the Children's Moment we will move to the Education Wing. Parents and Grandparents pick up their children after the benediction. A fully staffed Nursery is also available during the 9:30 and 11am service for children under 4.

Just as the teacher in Ecclesiastes wrote words of wisdom for future generations; we invite you to share your wisdom and love of Jesus with our Children. if interested please contact Amy @ 508.274.1904 or email Amy 

This series gives us the opportunity to look at how we fit into a world where it doesn’t always seem like there is a place for us, how the need for belonging affects our decisions and choices, how quickly a false narrative can be spread in today’s world, and how we can make a positive difference to someone who needs it the most. Join us as we journey through Evan’s struggles and examine how God’s word fits into all of life’s adventures and trials.  

Can you provide a youth meal on Sunday?

They say that the way to a teenagers heart is through their stomach! So, if you are interested in making dinner for the youth group, please see or email Bill Dorfner at youth.jwumc@gmail.com. 

Trunk or Treat was a great success!

I want to take the time to personally thank all of our amazing volunteers who helped make our 2023 Trunk or Treat such a great success. The rain could not dampen the spirit everyone shared in pitching in to move the event indoors, serve donuts and cider, greet families as they came through the door, and even stood out in the rain to ensure people knew the event was still going despite the weather. Thanks to all who set up stations and handed out candy as well. I am totally impressed by the will of this congregation, not to mention the creativity of their costumes and trunks!

A beautiful display from the Saturday pumpkin carving event and "Down the rabbit hole for candy" game with Paula.

Rick and Betty ready to greet the children and Kit and Matt's version of Pair O Dice at JWUMC!

On October 15^th we launched our new 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship service. Forty people came to worship Jesus with songs led our new praise band. While this service is being established, some help is needed in welcoming people into our building, inviting those who come early into the fellowship hall for a cup of coffee, and standing at the welcome table in the lobby to offer newcomers a gift from the church. Remember that this service is an outreach to folks in our surrounding community who are seeking a different style of worship and music or just want to try something new. Invite someone you know to give it a try.

Myles Lowery is still looking for assistance in the Media Booth (especially with a new service at 11:00 in addition to the 9:30 service) and Paula King and Bill Dorfner are in search of musicians.

November 5^th is All Saints Sunday. Both services will have a time set aside for remembering the members of our church that have passed this year. Be sure to spend a moment in the fellowship hall viewing the Memorial bulletin board. (We will be celebrating communion November 12)

Hanging of the Greens is scheduled for December 3^rd, the FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT! We found that it was a wonderful after-worship activity last year. We will need to adapt this year because we now have two services. The plan is that the lobby, chapel, and fellowship hall will be decorated following the 9:30 service. The sanctuary will be decorated after the 11:30 service. We may start decorating the sanctuary after the Spiritual Growth Advent Retreat on Saturday, December 2^nd. Flexibility and your participation are the keys to beautifying our building for the Advent and Christmas season.



Speaking of Christmas, did you know that Christmas Eve falls on a SUNDAY this year? Watch for information in the December newsletter, bulletins, and Thursday updates!

The JWUMC Christmas Fair

The Christmas Fair needs YOU! We are gearing up for the Christmas Fair and need lots of volunteers. Help is needed for the setup, arranging sales items, decorating the halls and tree, baking goodies, canning jams, working at the fair, greeting customers, serving food, cashiers, working in the rooms and fellowship hall. We can work around your schedule! Please consider volunteering for this important fundraising event. It is a service to the community, raises money for our church and provides a wonderful opportunity for Christian fellowship. It's FUN!   

If interested in volunteering or helping in any way please contact Marilyn Sharp, 508-254-1557 or Brent Finemore, 508-641-6077. There are many volunteers opportunities and we look forward to your support!

Silent Auction: Hello from Christine and Maryellen, Co–Chairs of the Silent Auction

We are 2 weeks away from the Christmas Fair. Christine and I have been out and about asking retailers, restaurants, and establishments for gift certificates for the Silent Auction. If you frequent hair salons, nail salons, restaurants, retail establishments, gyms, message therapy kindly help us in pursuing Gift Cards. Also look around your home for things that are no longer important to you. Blenders, mixers, dishes, artwork etc. Work out equipment, beach/nautical items. Your treasures may become someone else’s needs or desires.

We will have tax exempt forms in the lobby/narthex for you to pick up and give to your donors along with the Fair Flyers. If you have any Gift Certificates, please leave in the church office. All other items can be placed in the spirt closet.

With gratitude,

Christine & Maryellen

Goodies may be dropped off at the bake table in the Narthex beginning Thursday afternoon, Nov 9. Any questions, contact Penny Dean. Thank you and happy baking!

Apple Pies! Speaking of baked goods, the apple pie workshop was a success and we have frozen pies you may reserve and take home to bake, pies which Karen Dean can bake for you upon reservation, or you may purchase your pie now and bring it home to cook or freeze for later! To reserve pie, see Karen Dean at coffee hour or call Ruth in the office at 508-548-3050. Pies are $18.00.

Children's choir/ music ensemble practices in the Chapel each Sunday 15 minutes after the start of coffee hour. We will be preparing music for Advent/Christmas. Grades K through 8 are invited to join. Some of the instruments we play may include bells, percussion, recorder and even ukulele!

Bell choir is looking for more people to "ring those bells." The more, the merrier! 

Did you know that John Wesley UMC is the proud owner of 3 ukuleles?

Have you ever heard of a Ukulele band? It is becoming very popular. Have you ever played a ukulele before? Well now's the time to start! All ages welcome. 

This weekend get ready to hear some ukuleles and other instruments to celebrate All Saints Day at the 9:30am service. After the service get ready to try out a ukulele in Fellowship Hall. We would love to show you a few chords, so that you can join in the fun! 

If you have any questions contact Paula King at paula.jwumc@gmail.com"

Along with over 17 years of experience in camping and retreat ministry, he is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College and has served in the San Francisco Bay Area as a senior pastor, church planter, youth pastor, and campus minister. A native Californian, "Dr. Jay" is committed to a sustainable "ecological spirituality," a healthy lifestyle, and the pursuit of the perfect chocolate cake.

Advent Study

Let’s celebrate advent with a book study on Monday nights at 6 pm starting November 27th in the library. 

Watch for the sign-up sheet. Merry Christmas! Karen Camp

Prayer Teams If you are interested on being on the prayer teams at church (after the service) or on the prayer chain (via email), please contact Karen Camp at 508-737-1636 or nerakpmac13@gmail.com.

A note of thanks

TO MY WONDERFUL CHURCH FAMILY.

I thank you all for helping my get through this most difficult time in my life. Your love, prayers and support got me through some really tough days. I appreciate you all and I will be back with you soon.

With much gratitude and love, Linda Duane

Men’s Breakfast: (Note – There has been a change of day and time for this event.) Men of John Wesley, please join us for an hour of food, fellowship, and discussion on Tuesday, November 21st, at 7:30 am in the Fitzgerald Room. (The date has been moved due to the Church Conference on Saturday morning, 11/18.) Ben Van Mooy will share his unique experiences of living in Antarctica for months at a time as part of his work as a scientist at WHOI. If you have questions about the event or would like to help, contact Matt O’Connor at oconnorscapecod@gmail.com.

Changing The World for November will be used to purchase socks for our homeless neighbors. We will provide them with brand new socks when they come into the shelters this winter.

Falmouth Service Center Donations of the most needed food items for the Falmouth Service Center for the holiday months are, apple juice, quick bread mixes, canned corn, spaghetti, tomato sauce and of course and always CHEERIOS. The food items can be placed in the box in the Fellowship Hall. THANK YOU to all who have continued to support the need of food for our neighbors in need. 

Allison's newsletter for October is in the Fellowship Hall for anyone who would like to have one. Please continue to pray for her during these very dangerous times.

Bonnie Valade - Chairperson for Outreach/Missions Committee

We have selected one boy and one girl to outfit from head to toe. I will be available each Sunday after service to help organize the selections so that together we cab outfit the 8 year boy and girl we will be "dressing".

If you would like to sponsor a girl of boy from top to bottom, please contact me so I can request a child from the Salvation Army.

Marie Syverson 774-255-0222 mesyverson@comcast.net

There will also be fair trade coffee, candy, gifts and one of kind cards for sale. 

Your holiday shopping could be completed in one day!

Please join us Sat November 11 from 10 am to 3 pm and and Sunday November 12 from 11 am to 3 pm at Saint Barnabas Church Hall, 91 Main St, Falmouth.

Following the live market, we will have online shopping available Nov 13 through Nov 19. Visit   www.alternativegiftmarketcapecod.org Questions or want to volunteer helping? Contact Kate Finemore 508 641 4658 Bfinemore36@comcast.net

November Meetings and Events at JWUMC

Weekly Meetings:

Tuesday ~ Bible Study Group with Tim Cline & Ted Burt 10 am

Tuesday ~ Bible Study Group with Betty Smith- 10:30 am in the Fitzgerald Room

Wednesday ~ Prayer Meeting 11 am in the Chapel

Wednesday ~ Handbell Rehearsal 5:45pm and Choir Rehearsal at 7pm

November Meetings:

Thursday 2nd ~ The Leadership Team 6:30pm

Wednesday 8th ~ Staff Meeting 9:30am

Wednesday 15th~ Outreach/Missions Mtg. 6pm

Thursday 16th ~ Worship Ministry Mtg. 1pm

Saturday 18th ~ Church Conference 10:00am

Tuesday 21st ~ Men's Breakfast 7:30am

Tuesday 21st ~ Stewardship Committee 11am

Tuesday 21st ~ Finance Committee Mtg. 4pm

Tuesday 28th ~ Trustees Meeting 5pm

Thursday 30th~Staff Parish Relations Team 5pm

Other dates of note:

Sunday November 5th ~ Daylight Savings Time Ends

Friday November 10th ~ Veterans Day -The office will be closed

Thursday November 23rd & 24th ~ Thanksgiving Day Break ~ The office will be closed

Birthday Wishes for November: 

Let us celebrate life among our church family. 2nd ~ Nancy Leger, 3rd ~ Sharon Mulcahy, 5th ~ Barb Colturi, 6th ~ Frank Reynolds, 8th ~ Milton King, 16th ~ Dottie Hack, 17th ~ Ted Burt, 23rd~ Marge Dean

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.