What’s Going On
Crawford Presents: Sindy Skinless and the Decomposers
You’re invited to a holiday concert like you’ve never seen, for Halloween! On Saturday, October 29, Sindy Skinless and her skeleton pals will perform “live” on stage from 7 to 8pm. Young and old will enjoy their parodies of popular tunes (eg Elvis Deadly, O Zombie Boy, and Cannibal Girl) as well as new songs for this season presented for the first time! Doors open at 4:30 with Halloween crafts and spooky activities for all ages. Costumes encouraged! Have your photo taken with Sindy and her pals! Donations at the door, free popcorn for all and, at the Crawford Cafe, hotdog (or vegan dog), chips and drink for $5.
Blessing of the Animals, Oct. 2
Please join us for our third annual Blessing of the Animals, outdoors, under the tent in front of our church at 34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA, on Sunday, October 2, at 10am. Our prayer time will include moments to give thanks for our animal companions, to acknowledge the holes in our hearts left by pets who are gone from us too soon, to honor animals that serve in public safety and wellness, to mourn the loss of species, and to 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 keeping the peace between our blessed pets at the service.)
Get Screened for Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Life Line Screening is coming to Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 20. Sign up to assess your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Why should I screen? Life Line screening has the potential to provide benefits including:
- Early detection of serious conditions
- Prevention of disease progression
- Peace of mind so you can enjoy life
- Savings with more affordable screenings
- Control, no insurance required
What tests are run at a Life Line screening?
- Carotid Artery Disease: An ultrasound is performed to screen the carotid arteries for buildup of fatty plaque.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease: An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is performed using blood pressure cuffs on the arms and legs.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An ultrasound is performed to screen the abdominal aorta for the presence of an enlargement or aneurysm.
- Atrial Fibrillation: A 6-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) is performed by placing sensors on the arms and legs to screen for irregular heartbeat.
- Osteoporosis Risk: An ultrasound is performed to measure the shin bone for abnormal bone mass density.
For more information, download a flyer about the October 20 event here.
This event is open to the public and appointments are limited, so make your appointment today. To reserve your time, call 1-800-690-0323, or visit LLSA.SOCIAL/HS.
Musical Guests: Sunday, Aug. 7
This Sunday, we will be joined by Asako Shibata (piano) and Kevin Owen (French horn). They will provide our prelude and postlude, as well as some special music during communion. All are welcome… join us if you can!
Kevin Owen and Asako Shibata have been performing together throughout New England for about 15 years. Kevin is a professional French horn player, arranger and conductor. Asako is a performer and piano teacher with students throughout Winchester. They are married and live in Medford. When the Red Sox are losing, they often retire to their music studio and sing, play recorder and piano duets as well a piano/horn repertoire, for the entertainment of their two cats, Luna and Julius.
Back 2 School Supplies Drive
Again this year, we are supporting Housing Families by contributing to their annual school supplies drive. On Sunday, August 7 and Sunday, August 14, we’re collecting ball point pens, pencils, highlighters, magic markers, loose leaf paper, rulers and more. (Click here for a complete list of items needed.) If you can’t bring your donations to church on Sunday morning, the church office at office@crawfordumc.org or 781-729-5056 to arrange a time to drop them off. Thanks so much!
Bloomin’ 4 Good
Flowers can make someone’s day, brighten a room or spread a smile… now they can fight hunger too. Every $10.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold supports a hunger organization local to the Stop & Shop in which it was purchased. Crawford’s Micro Pantry was selected by our Winchester store leadership as the August beneficiary! We will receive a $1 donation for every $10.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet purchased at the Winchester Stop & Shop (695 Main Street, Winchester, MA) during the month of August. Learn more about Stop & Shop’s Bloomin’ 4 Good program here.
Ending food insecurity is an important mission of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church whose members serve dinner regularly at The Dwelling Place in Woburn, and have been longtime supporters of the food pantry run by the Council of Social Concern. They opened their first micro pantry (the first in Winchester) in June 2020, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges it created for both those in need and the organizations that had to limit their assistance in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. In February of this year, an Eagle Scout project completed by Kenny Xu (Troop 507) provided a sizable expansion of the pantry. It’s now large enough to include both shelf-stable food products and essential personal products. And occasionally, fresh produce from our garden. (Learn more about Crawford’s micro pantry and other missions and ministries here.)
Easter At Crawford
Join us on Easter Sunday, April 17, for any or all of our services and celebrations:
- 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
Read Pastor Anne’s Easter greetings here.
If you can’t join us in-person on Easter, you can join us via the livestream on our Facebook page or YouTube channel. And you can download a copy of our Easter Sunday bulletin here.
Join Our Palm Sunday Parade
Come one, come all to our second annual Palm Sunday Parade, this Sunday, April 10. The parade will step off from the front of the church at 9:30, led by a New Orleans brass band. We’ll share palms and joyful music with our neighbors, and return to the church in time for our 10:00 worship Service. Palms will be provided, dogs welcome! (See a special canine invitation from our newest team member, here.) You’re also invited to join us for Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday (multiple services, details here.)
Crawford’s Chili Cookoff is Back!
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Crawford’s Chili Cookoff this April 23, benefitting New England Justice For Our Neighbors (NEJFON). Enjoy a variety of chili recipes — from sweet and mild to burning hot — and vote for your favorite by donating to a worthy cause! All proceeds benefit NEJFON — a faith-driven ministry providing immigration and legal services, education, and advocacy.
We look forward to hearing from two lawyers from the Northeast Justice Center, an important partner of NEJFON, on Saturday. Claire Maguire and Molly Curley will share with us about their work documenting immigrants and refugees on their path to legal residency in the U. S. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Claire and Molly will speak at 6:30, after everyone has voted for their favorite chili; and winners will be announced before the event ends at 7:00.
Think you have the best chili in the land? Enter the competition. Click the “ENTER” button below for more information and to sign up. Are you not a chili cook, but want to help out? Click the “VOLUNTEER” button below to help out with set-up or clean-up, or by providing cornbread, salad, dessert, or beverages — all essential to making this event a success.
Do you care about immigrants’ rights? Love chili? Or just want a night off from cooking? Bring your family and friends to the cook off on:
Saturday, April 23
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Chili served until 7:00 p.m. or whenever we run out.
Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church
34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA
Download a copy of our 2022 Chili Cook-off Flyer here, and share it with your friends!
Update on Afghan Resettlement
The Afghan family we’ve been fundraising for, has settled into their new home and they are very appreciative of all that has been done for them by the Winchester Interfaith Committee. Members of the Neighborhood Support Team are working hard to meet the family’s needs, both in terms of support and home furnishings. Their apartment is a tight fit for seven people, but they have identified a few specific items that would be useful and appreciated: If you’d like to help, here’s list of items that would make them more comfortable in their new home:
- A standing coat rack for front hall
- A thermos carafe for tea that holds 8-10 cups
- 3 covers for pans that are 8 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches
- 6.9 qt. cast aluminum Caldero (Dutch oven) with lid ($20 at Target)
- A large outdoor toy bin
- A free-standing outdoor bike rack
- Bike locks
If you have any of the items to donate, please take a photo of the item(s) and send it to Reva Shapiro at revashapiro-at-gmail-dot-com or 908-229-6336. (If you are willing to purchase any of them, please let Reva know that as well.) If the item meets their needs and hasn’t already been donated, you can deliver it to one of two drop-off locations in Winchester or Arlington. We will keep this list updated to the best of our ability… thank you!