Archive for Activtiy

A campaign of Love – the 2016 – 2017 Stewardship campaign

We’ve been inviting our congregation to bring pictures to Hope to be placed around the sanctuary that show Christ’s Love and Grace in our Church community.   As the webmaster I thought “hey, we have pictures here in the website, maybe I can put some of them up!”   This little slideshow is just a small snapshot of all the wonderful people and events that happen because Hope is here.   Come and join us this Sunday for the annual church celebration of our campaign and bring your own pictures that show the outpouring of Love from our community!

 

Lay Servant Course being offered at Hope, October 22nd and October 29th

“God calls you to a life of servanthood as a disciple of Jesus Christ”

Hope UMC is hosting over two weekends this October the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries.  Have you felt that gentle touch or maybe a strong push to pursue your call to serve the church in a greater capacity?  Now is your opportunity to join your brothers and sisters in Christ in the two day, 12 hour course to help you explore the opportunities for serving your church.

Download the form below and send it to the address indicated.  Also please include a short write up explaining why you would like to attend.  Make sure to return it by October 10th.

The course will be held at Hope UMC on the 22nd and 29th from 9am to 3pm.

servantregistration

 

 

A Bit of Methodist History

Enfield Methodist-Episcopal churchIn the late 1930’s the Enfield, MA Methodist- Episcopal Church was dismantled in expectation of the coming of the Quabbin Reservoir.  The building was reconstructed (minus the steeple) in the town of Palmer where it was used as the Grange Hall for many years.  It was a church again for a time in more recent history and very recently the building was sold again.  It has been purchased by the Amherst Railway Society as their new home.

The president of the Society has personally invited us to come and see this historic building.  They will be having an open house on Saturday, August 20th from 10 AM until 2 PM at 1130 South Main St. in Palmer.  There will be tours of the facility and a chance to see their future plans.  You will also be able to see an operating Belt Lines model railroad and partake of some refreshments.

So, whether you are interested in Methodist history or are a railroad buff, this may be an event for you!

*information was taken from amherstrail.org

Plant Sale and Bake Sale

On May 7th we had our annual Plant Sale.  The Sunday School was also there selling baked goods and lemonade for the Heifer Project.

Holy Week at Hope – a busy week!

Sunday, March 20, Palm Sunday 10:00 AM  — Come and receive the palms that commemorate Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem. Enjoy our children’s choir and a family oriented worship service.
Monday, March 21 Day of Fasting and Prayer — Have a quiet day at home or work meditating on the events that changed the world.  7:00 PM Family friendly movie, popcorn and fellowship
Tuesday, March 22 — 9:30 AM Breakfast Bible Study
Wednesday, March 23 — 6:30 PM Holy Communion, 7:00 PM Lenten Study, The Call
Thursday, March 24, Holy Thursday  6:30 PM – Ecumenical Agape Meal, 7:00 PM Tenebrae Service at Belchertown United Church of Christ, 18 Park Street, 8:00 PM through 3:00 PM Friday – 24 Hour Prayer Vigil at Hope UMC
Friday, March 25, Good Friday — 3:00 PM Ringing of the sanctuary bell in remembrance of Christ’s death, 7:00 PM The Passion Story from Peter, James, John, and Mary.
Saturday, March 26, Holy Saturday — 9:30 AM Organize and deliver Easter Baskets
Sunday, March 27, Easter Sunday — 6:00 AM. Ecumenical Sunrise Service at the Quabbin Reservoir Tower, in the case of inclement or frigid weather the service will be at Hope UMC , 10:00 AM. Grand Easter Celebration – Be inspired and uplifted by our spirit filled choir and our liturgical Rainbow Dancers and the beautiful voice of Cindy Murray. Refresh, restore, and renew your relationship with the one who called you beloved.

Fashion Show is Big Success!

I would like to thank everyone who helped to make our Little Black Dress Fashion Show such a success.  The ladies who modeled along with me, Ruth Keller, Dawn Kresge, Pastor Aida, Ruthie Fernández, and Alice Collins were amazing and beautiful. Thank you to Ron Paré for making our tickets for the event. Thanks to Joanna Page who spent two days in the kitchen preparing soup.  My humble gratitude goes to Debbie Dunbar for making the hall beautiful and spring-like. Thank you Tish Poulter for being our photographer for the afternoon.  Thank you to all the men (George Button, Dennis Davis, Ingmar Eggen and Zach Murray) who came and served our meal, cleaned-up, and joined the ladies in supporting our fabulous models! And of course, a big hand to all those who bought tickets and supported this fun event.  Keep your eyes peeled for all those women who will be donning some new spring clothing.  I just love this church – everyone pitches in to make God’s work light and fun.

Blessings to you all,

Lois

AND, we give a huge thank you to Lois Paré for bringing this idea to the church and organizing the event!  More pictures on our website!