A weekly newsletter from United Methodist Church of Lenox
Rev. Nami Yu, Pastor
Notes from our Pastor
Bishop's letter: Together in Christ
Dear Beloved in Christ:
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In my Episcopal Address, I requested that you join me in reading Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight by Cameron Trimble (Chalice Press, St. Louis, Missouri, 2019).
Trimble writes: Your job is not to be the saint of the church, working yourself to death in the service of your congregation. Your job is to equip the saints. Let me say that again: your job as a leader is to make sure that you equip others to be the ministers of the church.
Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds us: "The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ' (NRSV, emphasis added).
You are not called to burn out, over-function, or justify your existence by making yourself invaluable to your congregation. Actually, your calling is the opposite. The greatest gift you give a church is building teams that enable ministry to flourish without the sacrifice or suffering of individuals.(page 49).
This quote makes me pause! During my ministry over the last four decades I have observed that most leaders fall into two broad groups.
Those in the first group nominate themselves for everything in the local church, often getting burned out and showing ineffective leadership, but not allowing others to take leadership roles.
Those in the second see leadership not as chance to hold power, but as an opportunity to give of themselves following Christ’s example of servanthood leadership. They encourage, equip, and mentor others to carry out the ministry of the church!
Friends, it is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate All Saints Sunday, we not only celebrate the saints of the past but also the saints who live among us and who are just beginning their time as leaders. As we do, may we take time to ponder two questions?
First a question of celebration: Who are the saints in our midst, the great leaders who, with the spirit of Christ-like humility, always nudge, mentor, or equip others to do the ministry and mission of the Triune God, our creator, redeemer, sustainer?
Second a question of self-examination: Am I a person who, in seeking leadership roles for myself, blocks others from being in the ministry and mission of our Triune God? Can I better serve by being someone who seeks opportunities to mentor others to join me as a leader for such a time as this?
If you wish to read the entire letter, you may go to this link
Feeding ministry at Soldier-On (360 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA)
Today at 4 p.m., we are going to bring soup and bread to Veterans, spreading God's love by sharing a meal and getting to know each other. If you are interested in this ministry, come to the church at 3:45 p.m. or we may see you at there at 4 p.m.
Stewardship Sunday
During this Sunday's worship service, we will look at the meaning of stewardship as a faithful Christian. After the worship, Chris Perkins, as Chair of the Finance Committee, will make a presentation of this year's financial report and fruits of the ministry using our talents and gifts.
Annual Charge Conference on Sunday, November 10: SPRC meeting with DS at 2 p.m. and Charge Conference at 3 p.m.
The district superintendent, David Calhoun, will preside at the meetings of the Charge Conference. The primary responsibilities of the Charge Conference in the annual meeting shall be to review and evaluate the total mission and ministry of the church, receive reports, and adopt objectives and goals recommended by the church council that are in keeping with the objectives of The United Methodist Church. All of the congregation is expected to attend this meeting
Upcoming Events for November
Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Resource Day of the CT/WMA District: Racism at Trinity UMC in Springfield, MA
Sunday, November 17, 10 a.m., Contemporary Worship Service at UMCL
Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Holiday Craft Fair at UMCL
SILENT AUCTION GIFT BASKET/CONTAINER SUGGESTIONS
Select a list of ideas if you need help...be creative
Take a basket or use your own basket/container
Bring an item or two to add to a basket
GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!!!
Tell us the VALUE, please!
Return by Sunday, November 17
We will do the wrapping.
COME TO THE AUCTION AND BID!!!
If you have any questions, you may ask Judy Rufo. Thanks
Sunday, November 24, 4-5 p.m., Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship at Church on the Hill, Lenox
Our 5th annual “Holiday Craft Connection” is fast approaching. Less than a month away, Saturday November 23, 2019 from 9am – 3pm! We have 36 vendors participating in the event this year! A great time to start your holiday shopping!!
The church will not be having it’s own craft table this year, however there are still plenty of opportunities to participate in the event. We will need holiday baked goods to sell at our “Heavenly Homemade Pies and Breads” booth, cookies for the “Holiday Cookie Walk”, gift baskets for the “Silent Auction”, and as always lots of helping hands to assist the day of the event.
Sign up sheets are in fellowship hall.
The craft fair has been our largest annual funding raising event, raising close to $6,000 each year. Please consider helping to make it a success again this year.
For more information contact any member of the Hospitality Committee (Laurie Sturma, Laurie Kropkowski, Shirley Perkins, Judy Rufo, Judy Upton, Mary Lou Nutbrown, Lois Hill, Lisa Turner).
Save the date!
This year's Ecumenical
Thanksgiving Service will be held Sunday, November 24 at 4 p.m. at the Church on the Hill Everyone is welcome!
Do you have an event to share? Email details to box1655@yahoo.com; deadline is
Tuesday at 5 p.m. All art work, flyers and photos must be in jpeg format.
