What’s Going On
2026 Chili Cook-Off
Join us for Crawford’s annual Chili Cook-Off, benefitting New England Justice For Our Neighbors, on:
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 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).
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, click on the button below and sign up online, or contact the church office by calling 781-729-5056.
Other ways to help
There are lots of other ways to help, too – we are looking for volunteers to help set-up, serve, clean-up, and provide some extras that will turn chili tastings into a complete meal! Click on the button below to sign up to help.
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.
Adult Study: Mere Christianity
Beginning January 11, we will begin our study this little gem of Christian literature, which will continue for six weeks. You may prepare for the first class by reading Book 1 (not as daunting as it sounds) and spending some time considering his views on the existence of a moral law.
The group will meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45 in the parlor. Judy Stafford will facilitate this study. If you have any questions, contact Judy or leave a message for her in the church office (office@crawfordumc.org or 781-729-5056.)
Pathways of Epiphany
This January and February at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church in Winchester, the Rev. Dr. Rand Peabody will present a six-sermon series titled “Pathways of Epiphany.” You won’t want to miss a single Sunday morning at Crawford during this Epiphany Season!
On January 4th, we begin with a fascinating look at the mysterious “Star of Bethlehem” that prompted the journey of the Magi. See the sermon video, HERE.
On January 11th, we will walk with the Lord upward from His baptism in the Jordan River to the rocky ground of the Mount of Temptation. And as He Himself would surely have us do, we will consider the meaning of these great events for ourselves. See a video of this sermon, HERE.
Then, on January 18th, we will travel with Jesus to his hometown of Nazareth, where He reveals himself as Messiah, only to meet near-fatal opposition. It is a fitting focus for a Sunday that heralds our national observance of the prophetic legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On January 25th, we will walk by the Sea of Galilee, where the Lord calls upon His first disciples to take up their vibrant new vocation of being “fishers of people.” And we will encounter another stirring example of discipleship that occurred in more recent times, as well.
Rev. Michael Reed, Executive Director of Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light will return to Crawford on February 1 to lead us in worship and preside over Holy Communion.
Picking back up on February 8th, we will trace the footsteps of the apostle John as he follows the Master throughout his ministry on a path that led him onward to the Upper Room and the great events beyond.
Finally, on February 15th, our series concludes with a trek to the summit of the Mount of Transfiguration, as we consider what our own “pathways of Epiphany” may be, leading us onward in mission, ministry, and healthy churchmanship.
Keep Your Candles of Hope Lit
Embracing the joy of this Christmas season: A Video Message from Bishop Bickerton
Bishop Bickerton recorded the personal message linked below (click on the image or use the link below to watch) as a gentle reminder that all of us “keep our candles of hope lit” especially in this season.
The Bishop reminds us that though we may have to look a little harder in this crazy, messed up world we live in today, “to find the awe and wonder of Christmas in 2025, [we must] look to those who truly inspire, bless your joy, and rebuild your faith. These people, mentors in your journey, may be found in almost every corner of your life. They may be pastors, lay persons, friends, family… They may also be a little child in your midst, whose simple innocence can without prompting, reveal a new or renewed awareness of all that is good, right, and holy in this season.” See his video message, HERE.
Join Us Christmas Eve
Please join us on Christmas Eve
We will hold two services of lessons and carols – one at 5:00 p.m. and another at 9:00 p.m.
The 5pm service will include music by the Occasional Brass Quintet and a special message for the children in attendance, who will be invited to help light the candles on our Advent wreath. At 9 we’ll have music by strings and Crawford’s Chancel Choir.
We hope you’ll join us and bring your family and friends…all are welcome! If you are unable to be with us in-person, you can still join us via the livestream on our Facebook page or YouTube channel. Click HERE to download a copy of the bulletin for our 9pm service.
Flower Power!
Crawford’s food ministries stand to get a little power-up this month… Stop N Shop has chosen our micro pantry and other food ministries as the beneficiary of their Blooming’ 4 Good program. During the month of December, every purchase of this $11.99 bouquet at our local Stop N Shop (695 Main Street, Winchester) will earn us another $1 to help fund our food ministries!
We are happy to share that, for the entire month of December, Crawford’s Micro Pantry and other food ministries have been selected by store leadership at Stop & Shop’s Winchester location (695 Main Street) to receive a $1 donation from every purchase of the specially marked $11.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet. These funds help us keep our own micro pantry stocked, purchase or prepare meals for guests of the Dwelling Place in Woburn, help local food pantries keep their shelves stocked when asked, and more.
This holiday season, consider sharing a beautiful Blooming’ 4 Good bouquet to brighten your dining table, thank a host or hostess, or spread a smile. The Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, which was launched in February 2021, is an easy way for shoppers to support local nonprofit organizations. To learn more about this program, please visit stopandshop.2givelocal.com.
To learn more about Crawford’s efforts to reduce food insecurity, visit our Missions and Ministries page, HERE.
Rev. Liz Walker on Community Healing, 10/26
Journalist, activist, and pastor Liz Walker joins us to discuss her new book, No One Left Alone: A Story of How Community Helps Us Heal. During our sermon time on Sunday, October 26, Pastor Anne will interview Rev. Walker about her new book, “No One Left Alone,” and the program she launched at her home church (Roxbury Presbyterian), “Can We Talk Program for Community Healing.” After the service, Rev. Walker will join us at coffee hour, where she’ll share in our fellowship and answer questions. Copies of her book will be available for purchase that morning – the proceeds of which will support “Can We Talk.”
This Sunday service (like every Sunday service at Crawford) is open to anyone and we hope you’ll invite friends, family and neighbors to join us. You can download a flyer to send to them HERE.
Blessing of the Animals, Oct. 5
Please join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals, outdoors, under the tent in front of our church at 34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA, on Sunday, October 5, at 10am. We will celebrate communion*, have animal-themed music and have individual blessings for every pet who comes. We will give thanks for our animal companions, honor animals that serve in public safety and wellness, and celebrate those who have taken on the difficult work of animal rescue, shelter, and care. All are welcome (people and animals), so please join us and bring your critters, big or small. “If you can control it, you can bring it.” (Along those lines, please read these tips for keeping the peace among our blessed pets at the service.)
*In the Methodist Church, we practice an open table. You do not have to be a member of this church or any church to join us in Holy Communion. Where Christ is the host, all are welcome.
Save on Life Line Screening
Crawford will host another Life Line Screening event on Monday, November 3. Life Line Screening is the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. Life Line Screening is extending a discounted offer to all members which will identify your risk level for the following diseases:
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Atrial Fibrillation
Click HERE for more information and/or to register online. Or call 800-324-9458 to schedule your appointment – mention code HABC001 for discounted package price. A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.
Crawford’s 2025 Holiday Faire
On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, the Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church, 34 Dix St., will hold its annual Holiday Faire, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come for Crawford’s Famous Apple Pies and Fabulous Cookie Bar; the Christmas Room with a splendid array of lovely holiday decorations and other exciting items not found in local stores; beautifully handcrafted goods and gift baskets; delightful and unique gift ideas for everyone; fun vintage jewelry; scrumptious baked goods; delicious breakfasts and lunches at the Snack Bar, and White Elephants with books, toys & holiday items. Proceeds will benefit various church efforts.
Enter through the door at the rear of the church (accessible from our main parking lot) or the side entrance accessed through our small handicapped parking lot on the Dix Street side of the building.
For more information, contact the church at office@crawfordumc.org or 781-729-5056.