News and Announcements
January 2002
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.
Together We Grow, One Step at a Time
A Time to Celebrate!
2002 Stewardship Campaign Summary

This year’s Stewardship Campaign had some hefty challenges to overcome: significant numbers of lost pledge units and pledge dollars (seven members and over $13,000 in pledges), an overall sluggish economy, some members being unemployed, and a general feeling of uncertainty in the world that surrounds us.  Kicking-off the campaign on November 11th, Reverend Susan and I challenged the congregation to “step forward” and grow your pledges by as much as 10%, moving toward tithing.

And Step Forward we did!  We started the campaign with 65 pledge units.  We now have 81 pledges with several others still expected!  New members and students are responsible for most of that growth.  In 2001, pledges totaled $153,000 and we have grown to over $160,000 for the coming year 2002.  Nineteen new pledges exceeded the $13,000 of lost pledges, and the rest of us grew 5% over last year!  We accomplished all this in spite of the challenges listed above.  After years of declining pledge units and pledge dollars, we have turned the corner and are back on a path of growth.

Thank you all for your wonderful support of the campaign and helping us to be victorious over the obstacles that stood before us.  Also, please join in thanking the Stewardship Committee (Dave Kramer, Ben Beckwith, Betty Hunt, and Kent Harbaugh), the envelope stuffers, and all those who helped put the glorious brunch together for all their diligence and hard work (especially Chef Mike Walker and the youth group).

We have built the foundation.  Let’s keep it sound as we move forward as a Church family.

Peace and Grace,
Dale Brunelle
Stewardship Chairman
Thanks for the Memories

Thanks for the memories of…
Family retreats,
Dr. Beck on Christmas Eve,
Sewing a quilt,
Baking a torte,
Lenten services midweek…
Yes, thank you so much.

As we end one year and move into the next, our thoughts are often drawn to memories of the past. Bob Hope’s theme song was filled with his special memories, and we need a way of keeping special memories alive for future generations of LUMC who will someday celebrate the 75th and 100th anniversary of our founding.  Through much time and diligent research, the general history of LUMC has already been compiled and updated.  Now we would like to fill our Book of Remembrances with those moments in time that are especially precious to us as individuals: more specific memories of people and/or events that have warmed our hearts and knitted us together into the wonderfully caring church family that we have become. 

Please take a moment to jot down any memories that bring a smile to your face or a loving tear to your eye.  Don’t worry about how polished your writing, or whether you have a photo.  Just add your name and place the information in Jane Hogan’s (Ad Council) box.  It is important that we receive this information within the next 2 months in order to compile it and enter it into the Book of Remembrances.

Confident of the many responses we will receive, we say…

“Thanks for Your Memories.”
Confirmation Classes to be Held
January -- March
Middle School and older youth who have not been confirmed will be meeting with peer mentors (Senior High youth who have been confirmed!) for their confirmation classes at the 11th hour during January, February and March.  Each confirmand will also have an adult mentor with whom they will worship, study and share faith perspectives.  In addition to Sunday morning classes, Rev. Susan is planning on taking the youth on several "field trips" that include a visit to Temple Isaiah, the Islamic Mosque in Wayland, and the MFA in Boston to view the life of Christ through religious art.
Office Manager Needed
Our temporary office manager, Kelly Wiederhold, will begin a new job at Emerson Hospital in January 2002.  The Staff Parish is interviewing for the position.  If you know of anyone who may be interested in this 25 hour a week position, they should contact Smoki Fraser at 781-862-7394, or email her at stafup1936@aol.com.

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.
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