Jesus told those assembled on a hillside that they were the salt of the earth but warned that salt could lose its flavor. Is it really about taste? To find the answer we need to look to the beginnings of civilization and then to God’s Covenant of Salt in the book of Numbers. Click one of the buttons below to watch or read more; and stay salty
– Pastor Anne
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The New England Conference of the United Methodist Church has planned an online prayer service for those looking for ways to show solidarity with our immigrant neighbors during this harrowing time. The service will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will “pray for our immigrant neighbors, who are particularly vulnerable at this time. Following the prayer service we will share information on the current policy changes initiated by the Trump Administration and how they impact our neighbors and our ministry.” Leaders will also offer some best practices for how to be in ministry with those who are vulnerable, and take questions.
If you’d like to take part, see more details and register on the NEUMC website, HERE:
In this email, sent on Monday, January 13, 2025, Pastor David Arruda, Disaster Response Coordinator for the New England Annual Conference, shares a bit about emergency response efforts underway to help those displaced or otherwise affected by the wildfires in CA.
“In partnership with Methodist churches, UMCOR set up relief centers that provided evacuees shelter, food, and essential supplies. Volunteers, guided by compassion and solidarity, offered material aid, an empathetic ear, and comforting support to those burdened by loss…Congregations worked tirelessly to deliver donated items, prepare meals, and offer their buildings as temporary shelters, exemplifying the true spirit of Christian compassion.”
Read the full email HERE.
He also says, “for those of you who feel moved to support these vital efforts, donations to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery fund directly aid such ongoing projects. DONATE HERE..
One of the more perplexing lines in the Gospels is when a man comes to Jesus with a question and begins by addressing Jesus as, “Good Teacher.” Jesus’ first response is not to answer the man’s question, but to ask the man why he had addressed him as “good,” when only God is good. What’s going on there?
– Pastor Anne
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After you’ve watched, be sure to subscribe to our channel!
Join us for Crawford’s annual Chili Cook-Off, benefitting New England Justice For Our Neighbors, on:
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church
34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA
Crawford’s annual Chili Cook-Off brings together community from our church and beyond for an evening of fellowship, yummy food, and inspiring stories about the important work of New England Justice For Our Neighbors (NEJFON).
For over 10 years, New England Justice for Our Neighbors has provided free, expert legal aid to low- and no-income immigrants, specializing in humanitarian-based cases. Their clients include unaccompanied minors, asylum applicants, and victims of violence. They currently serve immigrants across Western, Central, and Northeast Massachusetts, providing both in-person and remote appointments.Their work helps families stay together, victims of violence escape further harm, asylum seekers find a safe haven, and unaccompanied minors begin a new, more promising future. The effects of legal status ripple out from our clients themselves, who are often heads of household, to their children and eventually additional generations.
Bring your family and friends, and your appetite! Taste as many chilies as you like, then pair a bowl of your favorite with salad, cornbread and dessert provided by our members, We always have a wide range of chili types available for tasting. We invite you to taste them all and then “vote” for your favorites with your contributions.
There is no charge to attend, but good will offerings will also be accepted at the door. Your financial contributions allow JFON to help families and children find a safe home in the US. The money we raise through this event helps support free legal counsel for immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in the area, provided by New England Justice For Our Neighbors, in their clinics located across Massachusetts (Lawrence, Lowell, Springfield, and Worcester). Visit newenglandjfon.org for more information.
Think you have a winning chili recipe?
We have room for a dozen or more competitors, and we’re hoping for a wide variety of entries — including chicken, pork, beef, vegetarian, and vegan. Spice levels range from from sweet and mild to flaming hot. To enter the competition, sign up online here, or contact the church office by calling 781-729-5056.