THE CLOCK
A publication of
465 Main Street, Oxford MA 01540
508 987-5378
[email protected]
Web Site - OxfordUMC.net
Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez, Pastor
December 2015
“Grow in Christ…Share Our Faith”
Dear Family & Friends of Oxford UMCDid you know that the most common phrase in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament is
“Have no fear” or “Do not be afraid”?
Think about that for a moment. Out of all the things God could repeat over and over again, and then some for good
measure, is not to be afraid. I looked up the word fear on an online dictionary and it defined it as: “a distressing
emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition
of being afraid.” For synonyms of fear it listed: “foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror,
fright, panic, horror, trepidation and qualm.” Now that’s a mouth full. I get anxiety just thinking about those
words. There is no room for anything else if we are afraid. Out goes our ability to show compassion, grace or
mercy. When we make room for fear in our hearts and in our lives it takes and holds us hostage.
We wouldn’t end a toxic relationship for fear of not being able to make it on our own. We wouldn’t try something
new for fear of failing. Fear would have us worry so much about death and failures and not live the life we have
been given. Fear makes us callous and unable to see others or their plight. Fear would have us preoccupied about
things we cannot control. I believe, and you are going to have to love me and forgive me for my bluntness, that
fear makes us inhuman. Fear would render us unable to love or be loved. Without love who or what are we?
God knew/knows that we would not be able to receive or extend God’s kingdom of love, mercy, compassion,
justice and humility [Micah 6:8] if we are afraid. There would not be room for much else.
There is a lot going on in our world today, racism, human trafficking, wars and terrorism, to name a few. Terrorism
has been around for a very long time, but with each passing decade it has targeted closer to home. Terrorists win
if we let fear in. Terrorists win if our fear makes us forget that we are called to care for the orphans, the widows
and the stranger. They win if we forget the character and values that make our nation great.
“Have no Fear, Do not be Afraid” are great words to live by. They are words that remind us that God is with us!!!
These words have the power to set us free.
Fear less and pray more. Advent is upon us. God is coming.
As always, with anticipation and joy,
Pastor Wanda
December 2015
Page 2
DECEMBER SCRIPTURE READINGS
December 6
December 13
December 20
December 24
December 25
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
SECOND SUNDAY
OF ADVENT
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 9:2-7
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
THIRD SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:47-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
FOURTH
SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20
CHRISTMAS EVE
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)
John 1:1-14
CHRISTMAS DAY
Please
Pray:
Please pray for the sick, those
caring for the sick, those in
recovery, shut-ins and those in
mourning. Please pray for
healing, recovery, comfort, peace
& grace for:
Sally Johnson, June Lewis, Alma
Morrow, Jim Nitti, Nippy
Norcross, Hazel Prouty, Our
Church Family
Church members, friends and
family who are shut-ins,
including: Pat & Frank Baril,
Harriet Brunnett, Pansy Kennedy,
Helen LaFontaine, Doris Norcross,
Nippy Norcross, Eva Porter, Hazel
Prouty.
Please pray for the family and
friends of Mary Adams who
passed away on Saturday,
November 7th.
Please pray for our nation and for
all of God’s children around the
world.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
December 27
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
FIRST SUNDAY
AFTER CHRISTMAS
DAY
“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will
bring a ruler for Israel, whose family goes back to ancient times.” Micah 5:2
December 2015
Page 3
Oxford Ecumenical
Thanksgiving Service
Join the churches in the Ecumenical Council of
Churches on Tuesday, November 24th 7:00 pm
at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 652 Main St,
North Oxford for the annual Ecumenical
Thanksgiving Worship Service. This year’s
theme is “Peace and Reconciliation”. We will
share Scripture and sing hymns that were
chosen by each of the churches. There will be
an opportunity for Fellowship (and
refreshments!) following the service. Please
plan to attend and show a stand of solidarity
with our Christian neighbors – united in prayer
for the healing of the world.
Join us for food and fellowship,
Sunday, November 29th, for our 5th
Sunday Potluck Brunch following
our Worship service. In order to
have a variety of food options, we
will continue to go by last name:
A – G Fruits, Yogurt, Juices
I – P Breakfast Pastry
Q – Z Breakfast Casserole
Any questions, please contact me at:
508-987-2323. Nancy Bouchard
Season's Greetings,
As you may or may not know our church is blessed with a great Support Staff. This Christmas Season
we would like to do something extra for the remarkable people who take care of the children,
provide such inspirational music, and keep the church looking good and the office running. Each of
them gives of themselves above and beyond the requirements of their jobs. If you would like to help
show our appreciation with a monetary gift over the next three Sundays please use an envelope
found in the pews, label it as “Support Staff” and deposit it in the offering plate or give it to a
member of the PPRC. We will divide the proceeds among them and present the gift to them on the
21st. In previous years they have all been surprised and so appreciative of your generosity.
If you are unable to attend church and wish to contribute you can mail a check payable to Susan
Stone and send it to her home address 63 AF Putnam Rd, Charlton, MA 01507.
Your kindness is greatly appreciated. May this Christmas bring you Peace and Joy.
The Pastor Parish Relations Committee,
Verna Freeman
Bruce Denson
Sue Stone
December 2015
Page 4
WORSHIP NEWS for ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY 2015-2016
The Worship Committee hopes you find this overview of seasonal activities helpful in your weekly and
weekend planning. Please count Worship and Fellowship opportunities with your family and fellow Christians
as an important activity! Come to church and keep “CHRIST” in the Christmas Season!
 Tuesday, November 24th – Oxford Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service – 7:00 pm at St. Ann’s R.C.
Church, 652 Main St, North Oxford. This year’s theme is “Peace and Reconciliation”. We will sing
hymns chosen by each of the churches. Fellowship and refreshments will follow. Plan to come and
stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ to lift our voices for World healing & peace!
 Sunday, November 29th – First Sunday in ADVENT! Our annual “Hanging of the Greens” Service.
Sermon theme: “Hope, Expectation & Preparation”
 Sunday, December 6th – Sermon theme: “Purification, Righteousness & Fulfillment”
 ALSO Sunday, December 6th at 4:00 pm - Annual Church Conference in the church Parlor with our
District Superintendent, Rev. David Calhoun. All are welcome to attend! Refreshments!
 Sunday, December 13th – Sunday School Christmas Pageant.
Sermon theme: “Love, Peace, the Presence of the Lord”
 Sunday, December 20th – Adult Choir Christmas Cantata “The Promise Fulfilled”
Sermon theme: “Justice, Joy, Salvation”
 Thursday, December 24th at 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols
Sermon theme: ”The Promise Fulfilled, God with Us”
 Thursday, December 31st begins at 6:00 pm - New Year’s Eve Potluck supper and a Movie
 Sunday, January 3rd – Epiphany/Three King’s Sunday (see future media slide for details)
 Saturday, January 16, 2016 – Leadership Retreat - 2016 goal planning – District Office, Holden
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS AT 8:00 AM- CHOIR REHEARSAL AT 8:00 AM - WORSHIP SERVICES BEGIN AT 9:00 AM
ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED FOR REFRESHMENTS, FELLOWSHIP AND CONVERSATION
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE!!
December 2015
Page 5
“Baby It’s Cold Outside!”
The Missions Committee will soon be setting
up the “Mitten Tree”. We will be collecting
warm mittens, gloves, hats and scarves
throughout Advent. All but the largest sizes
will be distributed to the
Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf.
After the tree is removed, we will continue
collecting men’s and women’s sizes of warm,
mittens, gloves, and hats through January 25th
for Worcester Fellowship. On that date, we
hope to be able to deliver 100 sets of adult
sized hats with either a pair of warm gloves
or warm mittens to the homeless people who
attend Worcester Fellowship.
Please continue to open your hearts and help
us reach our goal.
Thank you for continuing to donate
white men’s tube/crew socks.
NEW YEAR’S EVE POTLUCK SUPPER AND A MOVIE
On Thursday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve – beginning at 6:00 PM, we
will be gathering for a very brief worship service, a Potluck Supper and the
movie “An American Christmas Carol” (with snacks and popcorn!). We had
25 people attend last year and we had a blast!! Please bring a main dish or
dessert to share! Beverages will be provided.
See Brenda Gabel for more information………
[email protected] or 508-789-7935
December 2015
Page 6
Why not fill someone’s heart
with a prayer bear. Please bring
in a new bear to be tagged. You
can leave it in the office and it
will be taken care of, named,
tagged and blessed, then put in
the pew. After hearing the word it
can bring love and
encouragement to someone.
Thank you.
Did you remember to pledge?
It’s not too late. Actually, it’s never too late! Simply
fill out the form below and mail to the church office
or just drop it in the offering plate.
Pledging makes a difference!
IN GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS
I / We will give:
$__________________
per _________________
____________________________________
Signature
______________
Date
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”
Galatians 5:25
December 2015
Page 7
Please order your poinsettia now. The price is $7.50 per plant
and the cut-off date is December 13th.
In Loving memory of
given by
In Loving memory of
given by
In Honor of
given by
Please make checks out to OUMC.
Put the check and the order form in
an envelope, write Poinsettia on the
envelope and put it in the offering
plate or give it to Cindy Denson; or
call Cindy at 508-987-5241 by
December 13th.
Thank you,
Cindy Denson
In Honor of
given by
Total # of plants:
OXFORD ECUMENICAL FOOD SHELF
On the Sunday, December 6th,
please bring:
hot chocolate, regular & decaf coffee, tea
to be placed in the food collection basket
when you come forward to receive
Communion.
The items we will be looking for in
January are:
Campbell’s chicken noodle
and tomato soup
Many families coming to us have
members with "diabetes"
and "gluten allergies".
Low sugar, sugar free, and gluten free
items are always in need.
http://www.oxfordfoodshelf.org
JANUARY/FEBRUARY UPPER ROOM
DEVOTIONALS AVAILABLE
“The Upper Room” daily devotional for
January/February 2016 is available for FREE on a table
in the Narthex. There are LARGE PRINT and regularsized print copies. OUMC subscribes to this publication
and we encourage you to take one!! Begin your day
with the insightful reflections, Bible scriptures and
short prayers. It doesn’t take a lot of time and is a
great way to keep God “front and center” to start your
day. Consider picking up a large print copy and taking
it to one of our shut-ins (see “Clock” listing) or share a
copy with a family member, friend or co-worker.
Enjoy this simple and thought-provoking
way of connecting daily with God!!
December 2015
Page 8
Happy Anniversary
December 11 Dick & Pat Casagranda
Donald & Anna Strader
December 15 Donna & Jeffrey LaPlante
Happy Birthday
December 4:
Savannah Canty
December 11: Allison Roos
December 19: Zachary Canty,
Brenda Gabel
December 28: Bruce Denson
Kevin Stateham
December Lay Readers
December 6
December 13
December 20
December 27
Sue Stone
Brenda Gabel
Bruce Denson
Joe Bouchard
The next edition of The Clock will
be for January 2016. The deadline
for submitting articles for the
January 2016 edition is 5:00 PM
on Tuesday, December 29th.
December Altar Flowers
December 6
December 13
December 20
December 27
Dupuis
Cady
Poinsettias
Denson
Oxford United Methodist Church
Sunday Morning Schedule
8:00 AM
Choir rehearsal
8:00 AM
Sunday School Classes
9:00 AM
Morning Worship Service
(child care available during Sunday activities and service)
Church Office Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Serving the Church
Ministers
All members of the congregation
Pastor
Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez
Organist/Choir Director Lenka Drahorádová-Naim
Nursery Care
Melanay Michel & Denise LeBlanc
Church Secretary
Melanay Michel
Church Custodian
Don Parker
Rev. Wanda Santos-Perez is available on Thursday, 9:00 to 12:00, or by appointment.
If you do not wish to receive the Clock Newsletter, reply to this e-mail with “unsubscribe”
in the subject line or speak with Cindy (508 987-5241).
December 2015
SU N DA Y
MO N D A Y
TU ES D AY
WE D NE S DA Y
1
Office Hours
9:00 – 12:00
7
9
Office Hours
9:00 – 12:00
Ad Council
7:00 PM
15
5
11
12
16
18
19
25
26
17
Office Hours
9:00 – 12:00
9:00 – 12:00
Small Group
Small Group
7:00 PM
10:00 AM
22
23
9:00 – 12:00
Small Group
7:00 PM
28
7:00 PM
29
30
Office Hours
9:00 – 12:00
Small Group
7:00 PM
24
Christmas
Eve
Service
Office Hours
Fellowship
Following Service
10:00 AM
Office Hours
21
Choir 8:00
Sunday School
8:00
WORSHIP 9:00
Fellowship
Following Service
10
9:00 – 12:00
14
WORSHIP 9:00
Fellowship
Following Service
Choir 8:00
Sunday School
8:00
WORSHIP 9:00
Sandwich Making
4
10:00 AM
Office Hours
7:00 PM
Choir 8:00
Sunday School
8:00
27
SAT U R DA Y
Small Group
8
Small Group
Poinsettia deadline
20
Finance
7:00 PM
FRI D A Y
Small Group
WORSHIP 9:00
Fellowship
Following Service
13
3
9:00 – 12:00
7:00 PM
Choir 8:00
Sunday School
8:00
2
Office Hours
Small Group
6
TH URS D A Y
CLOCK
DEADLINE
5:00 PM
31
Happy
New Year!
Merry Christmas!
The Christ Child is Born!