Announcements

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 26^th, 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

Come to read and discuss Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia, in central Asia Minor.  This six-chapter letter offers readers a wonderful look into life in the early church.  It was probably written about 55 AD.  In these six chapters we are reading and reflecting upon an important early church controversy, the apostle’s understanding of being set right with God by faith, the idea of Christian freedom, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and more.

Each week we read and reflect upon a chapter together. There is both an in-person class offered in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM, and an online class on Tuesday evenings, at 6:30 PM.  The dates and themes of each class are below.  It not too late to join in if you’d like to do so.

Tuesday, September 30^th – Paul is astonished at the Galatians! – Chapter One

Tuesday, October 7^th – Paul confronts other church leaders – Chapter Two

Tuesday, October 14^th – You are all one in Christ Jesus! – Chapter Three

Tuesday, October 21^st – An Allegory – Chapter Four

Tuesday, October 28^th – For Freedom Christ has set us free! – Chapter Five Tuesday, November 4^th – Fulfill the law of Christ – Chapter Six

Be sure to sign up for a fun night out on Wednesday, October 15^th at 5 PM with some of our sisters and brothers in the faith from Northside UMC.  We will be meeting at the Hearth and Kettle Restaurant in South Yarmouth.  Rev. Rodney Dobbs, pastor of the Northside UMC and Pastor John have been talking about ways our congregations might support each other in ministry.  A night out to enjoy a meal together and having an opportunity to get to know each other better seemed like a good way to start.  So, plan to come, to enjoy a nice meal, have some good Christian fellowship, and see where the Spirit might be leading us.  It is helpful for planning purposes to know who will be attending, so please sign up in the Parish Hall by Sunday, October 12^th. 

At the last meeting of our Church Council it was decided to have some leaders from Duffy Health, come to our congregation and share  information with us about their REACH Mobile Unit.  REACH stands for “Respectful, Equitable, Access to Compassionate Health Care.”  The mobile unit consists of a beautiful van, and two professionals who provide person-centered supportive services to those in need, including access to showers, basic food items, and support  navigating resources on and off the Cape.  Duffy has asked our congregation if we would be willing to “host” the van on Mondays from 10:30 AM until 1 PM.  Be sure to learn more about this possible partnership on Sunday, October 12^t after worship in the Parish Hall.  We’ll meet leaders from Duffy, learn about the work they are doing in our community, ask questions, and visit the van!  After this meeting, the Church Council will consider whether to go forward with this partnership.  All are encouraged to be present on the 12^th!

At the end of September, Pastor John and Joy shared with the congregation that it is their intention to retire from active parish ministry at the end of June 2026.  They have prayerfully considered this decision and feel God is calling them to embrace the opportunity to begin this new chapter in their lives.  By the end of June, Pastor John will have had the privilege of serving with South Yarmouth UMC for seven years.  In addition, he will have completed 36 years as a pastor under  appointment and 40 years of preaching and working in the church.  In the Methodist system, appointments are made by the bishop, in consultation with district superintendents, and input from local church Staff Parish Relations Committees. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez is aware of this decision and working with our Staff Parish Relations Committee.  Linda Tucker, the chair of our Staff Parish Relations Committee, members of the SPRC, along with our Lay Leader, Eve Hoffman are available to respond to questions people may have about the process of moving forward.  An announcement about a new pastor will probably be made early in the new year, but feedback will be sought from the congregation regarding important qualities of a new pastor, before any decision is made.  Pastor John will continue to be in ministry with our congregation through the end of June and will do everything he can to continue to lead and assist the congregation during the next nine months

Family and friends of SYUMC are invited to come and enjoy fun and food at the Fall Festival in the Parish Hall.  There will be Fall themed games, contests, crafts, and cookie decorating for children and adults as well as a simple meal.  This is a great time to relax and get to know others in the congregation.  Halloween costumes are welcome but not mandatory. Please sign up in the Parish Hall or by emailing Joy Mueller at joyemueller@comcast.net  We are welcome volunteers to help with games, crafts, and the meal.

On Sunday, October 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. we’ll be holding a prospective member gathering at the home of Cookie and Buzz Barry.  This is a great way to learn more about being “Methodist,” as well as some things about our congregation.  We especially encourage people who have been visiting regularly to attend, as it’s a great way to meet some leaders in the church and become additionally connected to our community of faith.  Refreshments will be provided.  If you have any questions or are interested in attending, please speak with Cookie Barry, Eve Hoffman, or Pastor John.

Our next church hike will be held on Saturday, October 25th.  Joy and Pastor John will meet all who are interested in our church’s parking lot at 10 a.m.  We plan to go to Crowe’s Pasture in  East Dennis.

Here’s a little bit of background about one of my favorite hymns! “For the Beauty of the Earth” is a well-known hymn that celebrates the many blessings of God’s creation. Folliott S. Pierpoint’s 1864 composition is all about gratitude for the natural world, human love, and the joys of day-to-day life. Its poetic verses and uplifting melody make it a popular choice here at SYUMC and elsewhere! The hymn is often set to the tune Dix, giving it a warm and reverent tone that highlights its theme of praise and thanksgiving. “For The Beauty” is one of the main choir pieces that we will be returning to over the year. If anyone wants to join us, we meet at 8:45 every Sunday, and will always welcome newcomers! No prior experience necessary.

Our Annual All-Church Conference will be held on Monday, November 3^rd from 7 PM to 8:30 PM in our Parish Hall.  Our District Superintendent, Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez will be presiding at this meeting.  It will be an opportunity to worship together, to reflect upon some important questions about our life as the church as well as the surrounding community to which God has called us.  There will be a report booklet as well, highlighting some aspects of our past year of ministry, and including a membership and leadership report.  We will end with the celebration of the sacrament of holy communion.   Please plan on attending.