Building Our Nest Together
Did you know…
Ospreys are found on all continents, except Antarctica.
An Osprey’s vision is about 8 times greater than our own.
Ospreys are also known as River Hawks, Fish Hawks, or Sea Hawks.
Ospreys live near water and are unique among raptors for their fish-based diet.
Ospreys fly 32 to 130 feet in the air and dive, typically feet first, into shallow water to capture their prey.
The Ospreys’ unique talons allow them to rearrange their catch so that it faces forward as they carry it to their nest.
Ospreys will travel thousands of miles when they migrate, and those that migrate return to the exact same area every year. Often the exact same nest!
While the magnificent Ospreys have left Cape Cod for now, when the time comes, we’ll eagerly await their return as a sure sign of Spring. We have been fortunate at SYUMC to have an Osprey “couple” build a nest in front of our sanctuary for the past few years. It will be exciting to welcome them when they return to their nesting area and once again work on building their nest, a place for birth and new life.
Our Finance Committee, when discussing a possible theme for this year’s stewardship campaign, thought about these magnificent birds. We are impressed with their devotion to each other, as well as their commitment to a particular place. We also found ourselves admiring their skill, creativity, determination and persistence in building their nest. These qualities serve us well too, as people of God and the people who are the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church.
During the month of October, we’re encouraging each other to prayerfully consider making a financial pledge to support our life together as a community of faith. We invite each other to intentionally reflect upon the value of having a spiritual “home” and to take advantage of this opportunity to help build our nest together. Each week in October we’ll hear from a member of our congregation offer some thoughts on why they give. In addition, there will be a visual display in our sanctuary based upon our theme. Each week we’ll be marking the progress we are making as pledges are turned in and we add to our “nest.” Pledge cards have been mailed out and they are also available in the narthex or by calling the church office. During the month we also are inviting each other to use the “ballot” that came with the pledge cards, to “vote” for a name for the mother Osprey who will be returning to her nest this Spring.
Remember that whatever we can pledge is important, as each gift contributes to what God is helping us build together. The act of pledging also enables us to make better plans for the coming year. So, if you haven’t pledged in the past, we encourage you to consider doing so this year. In addition, if we can increase our pledge some, it will be most appreciated, as costs continue to rise. Personally, I have found there is almost always room to grow in my ability to give. I have been struck by the surprising capacity we all have to be generous as God is so gracious and generous toward us.
After turning in a pledge card, be sure to pick up your “stick treats” that are at the display area in the sanctuary, as one way of saying “thank you” for your faithfulness. In addition, on Sunday, October 26th, our Finance Committee members and friends will be putting on a free lunch after worship to celebrate people’s generosity and faithfulness. I hope many will attend.
Let’s all do what we can to make sure we start 2026 in the best position possible and build upon the good work God has already enabled us to do together. Let’s be grateful for all God has shared with us and see how God will continue to shape our community in the coming months as an important place for meaning and new life to be born.
Pastor John
