Good afternoon parish,
Even as we enjoy the beautiful autumn weather here in New England, we are mindful of the devastation sustained by sisters and brothers in Florida. We hold them in prayer as they recover from the mayhem of Hurricane Ian. If you wish to give to the relief effort through the United Methodist Connection, please mark your donation: UMCOR Advance #901670. One hundred per cent of the donation goes to the relief effort, because administrative costs are covered by the annual UMCOR Sunday offering gathered in March.
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday, and we will return to a more familiar way of sharing communion at the 10 am service. The congregation will be invited to come forward to receive the non-alcoholic elements (single cups/homemade bread w/gluten-free option). Parishioners may receive the elements at either the altar or congregational level. We will also pass the plates for the offering.
Our message will focus on hope and the power of ‘genuine faith,’ based on the parable of the mustard seed and psalm 137, written from the perspective of Jewish captives, forced to relocate to Babylon. Penny Price will share her talents with the harp, and Ryan will do the same with organ and piano. We will also officially launch our ‘Steps in Faith’ program by introducing the ‘shortest verse,’ “Jesus Wept,” John 11:35.
Faith Journey is meeting weekly once again! (Thursdays, 10 am, UMCA choir room, in person) All women of the parish are invited to attend this spiritual enrichment gathering. This coming weekend (10/8-9) will also offer our second Confirmation retreat, with an overnight event at Camp Mechuwana. Please keep our youth and leaders in prayer. Sunday, October 9th will be United Women of Faith Sunday. I am looking for two from UMC of Auburn to serve on the Board for City Mission (Lewiston). If you are prayerfully interested in serving in this capacity, please let me know.
I thank God for the gift you are!
Much joy and grace,
Pastor Steve Bascom
UMC of Auburn
Calvary UMC, Lewiston, Coordinating Pastor