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World Communion Sunday: “Grace for the World”

United Methodist churches observe World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday in October. World Communion Sunday is an ecumenical celebration by people of many denominations in an effort to promote unity among Christians around the world. Offerings collected in United Methodist churches on World Communion Sunday are used to fund scholarships for young scholars and seminarians. The Rev. Stephen Bauman talks about the significance of World Communion Sunday at Christ Church United Methodist in New York.
HELP WANTED:  Sunday School Superintendent for First United Methodist Church, Pittsfield

About Our Church:
We are a mid-sized Methodist congregation in Pittsfield, MA, a city of approximately 40,000 in Berkshire County. We have over 200 members, with regular attendance at weekly services of anywhere from 60-80 worshippers. We are also becoming a more diverse congregation, as our membership has grown in the past year to include a significant number of West African parishioners, who are on the whole younger and more likely to bring their children with them to church. As Methodists our congregation is mission-oriented, and we aspire to fulfill the mandate of making disciples of Jesus Christ through our good works. In our search for a candidate to serve as a director of Christian Education we aim to improve the opportunities for the youngest members of our congregation to learn and grow in their faith.
 
About the Role:
This role is oriented towards developing and implementing a more robust Sunday school curriculum to engage our current Sunday school attendees and hopefully encourage more parents to bring their children with them to church. The candidate will be expected to engage both with current Sunday school staff in order to improve their understanding of the educational materials and delivery, as well as engaging in the development of new Sunday school teachers. The candidate will also work directly with students in the course of their work. Time requirement would be approximately 8 hours per week on average.
 
Role Requirements:
  • High School Degree or equivalent.
  • A clear CORI check.
  • Active membership in a mainline Protestant denomination, with United Methodist affiliation a preference.
  • At least 3 years working with children in an educational setting, preferably religious in nature.
  • Ability to engage in the process of working to select and implement an appropriate Sunday school program for the Church’s current needs, as well as adapting those programs to the Church’s needs going forward.
  • Ability to interpret and communicate to the Sunday school staff the structure and content of the educational curriculum.
  • Manage the scheduling of Sunday school staff.
 
Salary:
The salary for this position is $8,000/year based on an average of 8 hours worked per week for 50 weeks.

Respond with resume and letter of interest to howerwiii@gmail.com.
Service Opportunities

Thanksgiving Angels will be giving Turkey Basket soon! - FUMC is responsible for 700 can of Green Beans! So start shopping and bring cans of those delicious vegetable in to fill the grocery cart?  Thank you!

TAG & BAKE SALE, NOVEMBER 2, 9 am - 3 pm. Time to clean out those closets or drawers!! Nothing to donate?  How about baking cupcakes or cookies, list ingredients with a smile. 😉  FUMC food services will benefit!  Questions?  Contact: Ann Mottley at 24acmottley@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY INTERFAITH CEREMONY
for the HEALING of MOTHER EARTH with
Larry Spotted Crow Mann,
Nipmuc Nation Cultural Educator and Story Teller 

Vital Conversations on race:
CCORR offers training and resources for conversation

At the 2017 Annual Conference, each church was given copies of the General Commission on Religion and Race’s Vital Conversations resources. Members of the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) are traveling to the districts conducting training on how to use these materials to have “vital conversations” in our local churches. Read more

New dates for racism training
Oct. 12, 2019 – CT/Western MA
Nov. 16, 2019 – CT/Western MA

 CWM District Calendar 2019  
(Up Coming Fall Events don't for get to register sooner than later) 

 “Resource Day: Dr. Harold Recinos”

“Jesus the Stranger Brings Down the Walls of Dividing Hostility"

Immigration is one of the biggest civil and human rights issues of our time. I will examine the connection between faith and strangers to offer a theological and ethical reflection on the immigration debate.  Until we cross the Jordan, I would like participants to consider Jesus the original stranger has already pitched a tent among migrant human beings and newcomers to the American shore.  God in Christ explains,  "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was  in prison and you visited me" (25:35-36).    

 There are two dates/venues being offered!
“Resource Day: Conference Racism Training”
 
Sat., October 12th     -     9AM-3PM
Venue: First UMC, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield Center, CT
OR
Sat., November 16th     -     9AM-3PM
Venue: Trinity UMC, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA
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JFON “Justice for Our Neighbors”
Saturday, October 19th   -   5PM-9PM
Venue: Trinity UMC, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA
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“Resource Day: Rev. Ryan Dunn”
Internal Church Communications (morning session)
Church leaders will gain the tips, tools and techniques they need to create a holistic communication plan tailored for their congregation. Participants will learn about consistent messaging, effective email communications, interpersonal relationships, and working with volunteers.

Church Marketing (afternoon session)
Leaders will begin a journey to build and implement a strategic marketing plan for their church. They will explore the planning process, branding standards, and various ways their church can effectively reach individuals and make an impact in their community.

Sat., November 2nd     -     10:00AM-3:00PM
Venue: Lenox UMC, 6 Holmes Rd., Lenox, MA

United Methodists Responding to Disaster

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by war, conflict or natural disaster. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response to people in more than 80 countries, including the United States.

After flood waters have receded, wounds have been tended, basic needs met, and the world's attention has faded, The United Methodist Church continues to be present by providing ongoing assistance.

UMCOR provides survivors not only temporary relief, but also long-term education, training, and support. While UMCOR cooperates with other aid organizations, the most important partners in the work of recovery are those being served.

UMCOR is currently engaged in relief efforts in Texas (Hurricane Harvey), in Syria (civil war), Sierra Leone (mudslides), and many other places around the world.

Learn how you can help provide healing and recovery through your financial support»
Sunday, October 6
Cathedral of the Beloved – 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Church.

Tuesday, October 8
Church Council – 7:00 pm in Jane's Room.  Please contact Jim Bronson if you are unable to attend.

Saturday, October 12
Men’s Breakfast – 9:00 am in the church dining room. Come and bring a friend, cooking starts earlier--come and help. Let Pastor Ralph know if you plan to attend.

Monday, October 14
Springside Nursing Home - 2:00 pm. Come and join Alice as you brighten the day of the residents.
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