Announcements

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The seasons are changing again.  Although we’re technically still in summer until September 21^st, things are shifting.  Temperatures are cooler than earlier in the summer, especially in the evenings.  The days are getting shorter.  The light is different and even the sounds we hear are changing, like the prevalence of the chirp and “trill” of the crickets.  Children and young people have returned to school.  Labor Day weekend is over, and the traffic around town is starting to thin out a bit.  It is quieter. The osprey are getting ready to leave. Dogs are allowed back on the beaches.  Some of us may grieve the gradual loss of the energy, excitement and activity of summer, others are eager for the coming of autumn.

Joy and I experienced another type of change of season with the recent death of our dog Bailey.  The house feels different.  We’re learning new routines.  Adjustments are being made with this new season of our lives now upon us.  Others in our congregation are also entering new seasons in their lives, with their own experiences of loss, recent moves, unexpected news from doctors, the birth of children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren), new work opportunities, the start of a different hobby or volunteer service, or the beginning of a new friendship.  The seasons of our lives change like the seasons of nature.  Sometimes these season changes are welcome.  At other times, they are not.   Regardless, however, of the season we’re in, we can hold onto precious memories from past seasons and be open to the gifts waiting to be discovered in the new season upon us.  In addition, we believe that God is with us in every season of our lives, so we know that all will be well.

Fall is different than the summer on Cape Cod, but it too is a beautiful and special time of year.  While the beach services this summer were well attended and fun, it will be nice for the entire congregation to be together again starting September 14^th.  The choir will start singing during worship on that date too.  We begin a new program year on September 21^st with Rally Day and something special for everyone.  New opportunities for additional meaningful ministry are emerging and can come to fruition this fall.  A new season is upon us with many wonderful gifts waiting for us to enjoy.  May we all continue to be grateful for what has been, for what is, and for all that is yet to be.  

Blessings,

Pastor John

Plan now to join us for worship and some fun activities as we kick off a new program year. There will be some special treats at coffee hour, a story walk about God on the front lawn, and outdoor games for children and adults to enjoy as we celebrate being back together after the summer and look forward to Fall events

SYUMC’s own Donna Cramer, has written and had another Lester Lion book published.  This one is called “Lester Lion Loses Grandpa” and is about a child’s experience of death and associated grief.  Once again, Donna does a beautiful job offering a meaningful children’s story, this time helping children better understand the deep emotions that come with losing a loved one.   Donna will be available on Rally Day, September 21^st after worship, with copies of this new book, to sign for all who are interested.  “Lester Lion Loses Grandpa” can be a meaningful gift for any family.

The senior advocates of our congregation are hosting a “Fall Fling” luncheon on Thursday, September 18th from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM. With the first official day of Autumn on the 22nd of September, we felt it would be fun to get together to celebrate the changing of the seasons. This luncheon is for some of our more home-bound members and friends. The menu will include franks and beans, corn bread, potato salad, apple crisp with vanilla ice-cream, apple cider and more. We look forward to a fun time together.”

We are excited to announce that Emily Earl will be our new Assistant to the Children and Youth Minister, Valerie Jansson.  Emily is a member of our congregation, has two young children, Lillian and Isabelle, and is already very involved in the ministries of our congregation with children and youth.  She has great experience in the caring professions, with people of all ages.  We are excited she has agreed to support Valerie and serve our congregation in this role.  Please be sure to congratulate Emily on this new position.  We also thank Linda Tucker, Chair of our SPRC for leading the search process, and members of the interview team who joined with her, Elena Ghioto, Judi Dunklee, and David Beauchamp.

The Shop and Barn continue to have a great year.  The month of August has been a very strong one for us.  We thank everyone who volunteers so faithfully, to make sure these ministries are meaningful and successful.  Plan to stop in during the month of September – the Shop will have a Fall sale on many selected items. We also would like to remind people that if you have any items around your home, for the Thrift Shop and Furniture Barn, please call and arrange to drop them off, or have them picked up.  As we move into the fall season, the Barn could especially use additional inventory.  As soon as items come in, they are being sold.  Call the church office if you have some items for the Furniture Barn and we’ll be happy to pick them up.

We are grateful  for all the volunteers  who continue to work tirelessly for the mission and ministry of our congregation to make this special offering available to the community.  

Here’s a little something about one of my favorite hymns sungSYUMC. “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” is an uplifting hymn tune with themes of comfort and security. The composer, Anthony Showalter was inspired to write the tune in 1887 after corresponding with two of his former students who had recently lost their wives. He found his own comfort and security in a phrase from Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms,” which became the central theme of the hymn. Showalter then collaborated with Elisha A. Hoffman, a prolific hymnwriter, who penned the lyrics that resonate with many believers. The song’s simple, reassuring melody and the powerful imagery of being held securely by God have made it a staple in Christian worship services, offering a sense of peace and trust in a higher power during times of hardship. Also, join the choir! – Ben Colgan

Our next church hike will be held on Saturday, September 27th.   Joy and Pastor John will meet all who are interested at our church’s parking lot at 10 a.m.  We plan to go to Hardings Beach in Chatham and walk out to the old Stage Harbor Lighthouse.  All ages are welcome.  Dogs are permitted.  Feel free to invite a friend.   

Six Tuesdays, starting September 30th.

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’ll read and reflect 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’ll read and reflect upon a chapter together. There will be both an in-person class offered in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays starting at 12:30 p.m. and an online class on Tuesday evenings, starting at 6:30 p.m..  The dates and themes of each class are below:

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

Many thanks to everyone who donated to our congregation’s “R & R Fund,” the Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund for our main church building’s siding.  Through your generosity we have been able to raise $20,000 so far to go towards this project.  In addition, the Trustees have already paid for the restoration of the four beautiful sanctuary windows, at a cost of over $40,000.  They look great!  As you know, we also applied for Community Preservation Act funds and were approved by the Town of Yarmouth for up to $325,000.  This is a major boost to our project.  We are getting close now to starting this work, which includes replacing the damaged front doors to our sanctuary. 

The total cost of all this work was always above $325,000, so we thought we would see if anyone who hasn’t contributed to this initiative through the R&R Fund, or if anyone would like to make an additional donation, be able to do so now.  Every gift, of any size, makes a difference!  Checks can be made out to “SYUMC” and marked for the SYUMC R&R Fund. Donations may be placed in the offering plate, mailed in, or given to Wendy in the church office. 

Thank you all for your generosity.  It will be exciting to see the transformation of the outside of our sanctuary and Parish Hall due to everyone’s efforts.