What’s Going On
Candles & Cookie Tins for Ukraine
The energy infrastructure in war-torn Ukraine has been destroyed. Volunteer civilian defenders on the front lines have asked for candles and small tins, which can be used for light, heat, and cooking, and for metal containers (like cookie and popcorn tins), which are needed to store food and protect it from rodents.
Dr. BonnieJean Butler has shipped 5000+lbs of supplies to Ukraine since October, to known and trusted people for distribution. BonnieJean’s friends and family have generously paid for shipping costs to date but urgent needs persist.
How you can help:
During the month of May, Crawford will serve as a collection point for additional candles and cookie tins. Now through the end of May, bring your contributions to church on Sunday, or leave them in the bins by our front or parking lot doors.
- Nearly any wax candles will do: new or used; pillar, votive, tea light, taper or birthday; scented or unscented; even those in glass.
- And we’ll take metal tins of all sizes: from small food cans to cookie tins and popcorn tins (with lids)
More ways to help:
- Get the word out to your friends to collect as many candles and tins as possible.
- Volunteer for our packing party on June 3, when we will pack our donations for shipping to Ukraine. (Boxes and more details will be provided.)
- Transport filled boxes to the shipping company in Norwell, MA.
- Contribute to the shipping cost. You can contribute by check made out to Crawford Memorial UMC, online at crawfordumc.org/give, or text CrawfordUMC to 44-321. (Please note in the memo or comments section that your gift is for “Candles for Ukraine.”)
Dog Adoption Event
We are happy to be hosting an adoption event for Last Hope K9 Rescue (LHK9), on Saturday, April 22. From their website, “LHK9 is a registered non-profit, all-breed dog rescue based in Massachusetts.We are dedicated to saving abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs from high-kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond. Though our rescue efforts are focused in the Central Arkansas area, we also serve as a resource for local dog surrenders, shelters, and special rescue efforts in other areas. We don’t discriminate on the basis of age, pre-existing medical conditions, or breed, because every dog deserves to know love.”
Only potential adopters with applications on file will be able to enter the adoption event space on Saturday. LHK9 volunteers encourage interested adopters to learn more about the event and the dogs available for adoption on their website or facebook page, and to complete an online application here.
Please Join Us for Holy Week
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the center of our Christian faith. Holy Week is the week we immerse ourselves in this most important story. We begin with the celebration of Palm Sunday. On Thursday, we remember Jesus’ final meal with his friends and disciples, and the week ends with the new beginning of Jesus’ resurrection, celebrated on Easter morning.
Palm Sunday – April 2nd
We look forward to our third annual Palm Sunday parade, celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Sunday, April 2nd. We will gather at 9:30 a.m. in front of the church, where we hope you will join us as we are led thru the neighborhood by a New Orleans Street band (members of Occasional Brass and Strings). There will be palms for everyone to wave, and handheld percussion instruments for those who would like to join the band! The parade will end back at the church in time for our Palm Sunday worship service at 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday – April 6th
On Thursday, April 6th, we invite you to join us for a service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae at 7:00 p.m. During this somber service, we remember Christ’s betrayal, trial, and crucifixion through a series of scripture readings and hymns, while slowly extinguishing the light in our sanctuary. When we leave, in darkness, we do so with the hope for Christ’s triumphant return on Easter morning.
Easter Sunday – April 9th
When we’ve completed our Lenten journey through the mountains of the Bible, we will gather to celebrate the risen Son. All are invited to join us at either or both of our services on Sunday, April 9th:
- Sunrise Service at Sandy’s Island, 6:30 a.m. You’ll find Sandy’s Island in Winchester’s Mill Pond. The closest parking is at the Winchester public library (80 Washington Street).
- Breakfast at Crawford, 8:00 a.m. Join us after the Sunrise Service or before the Easter Service for a light breakfast at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church (34 Dix Street).
- Easter Service at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church, 10:00 a.m. Come early for a light breakfast and/or stay after the service for our Easter Egg Hunt.
- Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids of all ages, at approx. 11:15 a.m.
Pet Food Drive
Thank you to all who contributed to our February Pet Food Drive. Our collection of wet and dry, dog and cat food for the Arlington Pet Food Pantry will help many pet owners and families fostering dogs and cats in the area.
Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals, watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.
Winter Clothing Drive
Winter is upon us and we are all feeling the chill in the air. Help us to help those who have insufficient protection from the icy cold.
Crawford is collecting gently used or new coats, sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies, backpacks, and winter hats, gloves, & masks which we will distribute to those who need them most in the new year. Bring your donations of cold-weather wear to Crawford (34 Dix Street, Winchester, MA) any time between now and January 31. Please place them in the large plastic tote outside of our parking lot door. Thank you!
Refugee Resettlement Update
In the early months of 2022, Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church joined with other members of the Winchester community to form the Winchester Interfaith Resettlement Partnership. Our goal was to provide support to a family of Afghan refugees – two parents and five children – resettling in the area. One of the Partnership’s co-leaders provided this heart-warming update in mid-November.
“Many wonderful things have happened with this lovely family including improving their medical and dental care, providing childhood healthcare immunizations and assessments (including in one case physical therapy and adaptive equipment), moving forward with advanced immigration status which will enable them to more easily integrate into American society, educational and language opportunities for the children and parents, recreational and social programs in the community, two jobs for Ihsanullah to contribute to the household and friendship from our over 70 volunteers.
“Your financial support of the family has allowed us to continue in reasonable housing, managing educational, food and household purchases and working toward self-sufficiency as the family begins to stand on their own over the next several months.
“One of the greatest miracles of this whole journey from Afghanistan to America has been the arrival on Monday, November 14 of a baby girl to the proud parents. Aisha Rawan has just now returned home to the embrace of her five siblings with lots of kisses and hugs. She is the first US citizen of the family with hopefully more of them to follow.
“We invite your faith community to offer prayers of thanksgiving and safe delivery for Aisha and Zahida. We look forward to continuing our Interfaith partnership with each of your communities in the next critical months of transition and self-reliance for the Rawan family.
“Betty Stone and I as the co-leads of our Winchester Interfaith Resettlement Partnership give thanks for God’s many blessings during this season of Thanksgiving,”
– Bob Davidson
2022 Holiday Faire, Nov. 12
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.