It may seem as though we just entered the wilderness of Lent, but Holy Week will soon be upon us. Mark your calendars… we hope you will join us for some or all of our services/celebrations during this most important season for the church.

Palm Sunday, April 10
We will again parade with our palms through the neighborhood, led by a lively New Orleans brass band. Gather at the church at 9:30 a.m. for the short parade. (Palms will be provided.) We’ll end up back at the church for the start of our Palm Sunday worship at 10:00 a.m, including more special music from our choir, organist, and the Occasional Brass.

Maundy Thursday, April 14
We will gather around the fire pit (weather permitting, otherwise inside) for a service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae at 7:00 p.m. Update: The weather forecast is for rain, so we will meet inside for worship at 7.

Easter, April 17

• 6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service around the fire pit (weather permitting, otherwise inside)
• Easter breakfast immediately following the Sunrise Service in Gifford Hall
• 10:00 a.m. Worship Service in the sanctuary, featuring live music by the Occasional Brass Quintet
• Easter Egg Hunt for the kids immediately following the 10:00 service

The Winchester faith community, including Crawford Church, has formed a Neighborhood Support Team to sponsor and assist an Afghan family in relocating to the Arlington area, where relatives already live. They are a young couple with five children. We thought we might have six months to prepare for their arrival, but we learned on Tuesday that they are arriving this week.

We’ve found temporary housing for them in New Ipswich, NH, for a month. The search for longer-term housing and other resources to support this family as they acclimate has just begun. Ascentria Care Alliance of Worcester, a social service organization, is leading and supporting our local effort. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to help an Afghan family.

2/15 UPDATE: New Fundraising Goal
The Winchester Interfaith Committee on Afghan Resettlement now has a better understanding of what it will cost to support the Afghan refugees coming to our area and has raised our fundraising goal from $25,000 to  $36,000. The good news is that the committee has already received donations totaling approximately $10,000. To donate, checks may be made out to Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church, indicating it is for Afghan refugees, then mail them to 34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA 01890. You can also donate by texting CRAWFORDCARES to 44-321. Or donate online here – Click on Pledge or Donate Now, choose Other, and specify Refugee Aid where indicated. The firt $8000 in donations made through Crawford Memorial UMC will be matched 100%.

Volunteers welcome!
Volunteers will also be needed to assist this family as they acclimate to their new home and life in the states. If you are interested in learning more about what is involved, let us know via our contact form.