News and Announcements
February 2002
Confirmation Class 2002
This year ten of our youth are participating in Confirmation.  They are being mentored by their peers, as well as by adult members of the congregation.  Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 11:00, but there are also a number of experiences planned outside of the classroom.  In February, trips are planned to Temple Isaiah and the Wayland Mosque, as a way of introducing our young people to other traditions and religious experiences.  Pray for our confirmands as they continue their Christian journey and learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Can You Balance a Checkbook?
Help is needed counting the Sunday offering.  Changes in our congregation have reduced the number of people available for this vital position.  You will not have to do this by yourself.  For efficiency and according to our UM Discipline, counting is always done by two people.  The process is easy to learn and takes less than an hour.  A custom schedule will be arranged.  If you are interested, please speak to Rev. Susan (781-861-9301) or one of our co-Financial Secretaries, David Kramer (781-862-8631) and Kent Harbaugh (978-670-7515).
Christmas Card Exchange
During Advent, through our Christmas Card Exchange Program, we raised a total of $186. This money has been divided equally between Roxbury Food Cupboard and the Lexington Food Pantry. A check for $93 has been sent to each of these organizations to help feed the hungry in our midst. Many thanks to all who contributed.
--Betty Lehr
Rev. Susan Sends her Thanks
Thank you for your generous “Christmas purse” which was presented to me. I will enjoy finding ways to indulge myself with some new books and resources as well as putting some of the money toward a preaching conference in Chicago in May. 

I continue to give thanks for the ministry that we enjoy together at Lexington UMC. You are a faithful and generous community in all ways! With deep gratitude,

—Rev. Susan
Farewell Blessing Given to Donna
Dempewolf on January 13th
The Lexington UMC community offered its blessing to Donna Dempewolf, our student intern, for her return to family and work in Minnesota. There she will complete requirements for her M Div degree. We will miss her presence and her many gifts.
Condolences to our friemds
We extend our sympathy and prayers to Jae Kim and her family on the recent, unexpected death of her husband Sang Chung. Sang was a beloved elder in the St. John’s Korean UMC congregation and will be truly missed. 
Thanks to the Carolers!
Eunice Prince sends her thanks to those who brought the gift of Christmas carols to Bear Hill Nursing Home in December.  She loved the familiar carols and was especially appreciative of Lindsay Keegan's Christmas Card and good wishes.
Welcome, Allyson!
Allyson Printz started as office manager at the church on January 22.  She lives in Billerica with her husband and two children.  Allyson is a member of First Church Congregational in Bedford, and comes from a Methodist background.
2002 Upper Room Disciplines
By Faith we are called, by our Works we are known....Seeking Peace with Justice continues to be our theme during this 50th year celebration at LUMC.  Daily bible study and prayer undergird all that we do  Copies of the 2002 Upper Room Disciplines have been ordered and will be on sale during January in Martin Hall for $9.00 a copy.  Scripture, commentary and prayer are contained on each page.  The daily bible readings follow the cycle of lectionary readings; therefore, the texts studied are the same as the readings for the coming Sunday.  You are encouraged to pick up a copy for yourself and your household. This daily devotional guide will encourage you into a daily habit of scriptural readings and prayer.  For it is in daily practice that our faith becomes relevant and alive.

Lighting a Candle for Peace

As a practice of mindfulness and prayer for a peaceful, non-violent resolution to the conflict that permeates our world today, please light a candle in a window of your home. The candle is intended to be a visible symbol of our hope for peace, our love for our nation, our compassion for the victims, and our commitment to being faithful disciples in difficult times. Let us light the candle daily as long as the current conflict persists.

Lexington Food Pantry
Your Opportunity to Volunteer!
For eleven years members of the congregation have participated with individuals of other faiths at the Lexington Food Pantry. Our assignment is to help set up and distribute food on the fourth Saturday of each month in this immediate effort to make a difference.   Four volunteer workers are needed for each month. The sign-up sheet is on the Outreach Bulletin Board, or you may call Ione Garing at 781-862-7592, or email her at idgaring@gis.net . Two hours of your time on a Saturday morning will be well spent in this ongoing Outreach of our Church.  More details about the history of this ministry are given on the Ongoing Outreach page.