God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through
service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.
“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian
Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.” Learn More
We Christians live in a "liminal space" as we await the coming of Christ. Living in this space requires strengths such as patience, trust, hope, and a positive mindset. Yet, it is challenging, as living in uncertainty can feel unstable, fragile, and vulnerable. However, from its beginning, the church was destined to live in this reality, facing various challenges after the risen Christ ascended into heaven.
New Testament scholar Lamar Williamson explains that each Gospel writer leaves the church with a distinct challenge. John calls the church to love one another. Matthew and Luke urge the church to engage in mission to the Gentiles, or "others." And the Gospel writer Mark cautions the church: “Beware, … keep awake!” In Mark 13:5-6, Jesus says, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.”
Living in a liminal space is a challenging task, as we must stay alert and beware that no one leads us astray. We anticipate the end times - the moment of Christ’s return to earth - which stands as the highest tower of hope we hold onto in our lives here. As we live in anticipation of this, what should our journey look like? We are moving from one space to another, yet we feel as though we are not fully in either, dwelling in an odd and unstable space. Jesus speaks to this reality: “Beware, and keep awake!” He calls us to live with the intensity of the last days while carrying out our daily lives with our best and fullest strength. The end times call us to live each day to the fullest - with full hope, full strength, and full alertness. Let us keep awake and live one day at a time until that day comes.
Mark 13:1-8
November 17, 2024
Pastor Jinyong
Special Music: Bell Choir
Join us in-person every Sunday at 9:30 for Worship service or online recording.
Our Youth Group's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is THIS Sunday
Our Youth Group will once again be holding our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! We’ll come to your house to collect your non-perishable food donations. All you need to do is place your donation outside on your porch, in front of your garage door, etc., and a team of our youth will stop by to pick it up between 1:00 and 4:00 pm on November 17. This is a great way to help our local food pantries!
Please click here if you would like to purchase food for our drive and would like for us to stop by your home to pick it up on November 17. Please be sure to have your non-perishable food donation in a box or bag(s) and placed outside your home by 1:00 pm.
The “Giving Tree” Mission Begins This Week
Beginning November 17, the Giving Tree will be starting. There will be a tree in church adorned with tags that represent the wishes of local families and children who are experiencing difficulties. This is a great way to show the love of Christ that is working within our community! We will have one date on December 8th for people to bring their gifts into church.
Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 30th from 2 - 4 PM.
This year’s Hanging of the Greens will be held on Saturday, November 29th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Exciting news!!! We are bringing back the Carol Sing after we finish decorating. Help us prepare our sanctuary for Advent, and sing your favorite Christmas carols! All are welcomed!
Blue Christmas Service
December 8 at 7:00 pm
Live music from our
Bell Choir and Adult Choir
Does this Christmas season bring feelings of sadness and loneliness to you? In the midst of bright Christmas lights, holiday decorations, glittery gifts, and joyful caroling, you might not feel the happiness that others feel. You might be experiencing loss of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, homelessness, miscarriage, estrangement, loneliness, addiction, illness, or depression. Perhaps you hurt because of the pain and violence in the world around you. The service will be held in the church sanctuary.
Please consider bringing a friend going through a difficult time. This service will offer solace to those struggling or grieving this Christmas season.
UMCW to Host the New England Ringers Holiday Concert
December 14 at 4:00 pm
The New England Ringers will present “A Christmas Playlist,” an exciting performance with music ranging from holiday classics and favorites to contemporary works. This is the perfect holiday event to enjoy with your family and friends!
Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased in advance by visiting www.umcw.org/christmas-playlist.
Tickets will also be sold at the door the evening of the event.
Announcing additional options for giving on-line to the church.
We have expanding the number of ways that you can give to the church on-line. This includes PayPal, Venmo, Vanco, credit cards, and more, Visit Giving for more details.
2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
The 2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign has begun and will continue through end of December.Your offering provides us with the means to continue growing as a church and reaching out to our community. We are so excited for the future and the connections that we will make!
You can submit your pledge on-line, in-person, or mail.
UMCW's Annual Church Conference
We will have our Annual Church Conference on Sunday evening, December 1st., at 7:00 pm in-person and by zoom in the sanctuary. It will be presided by our District Superintendent, Megan Stowe.
All church members are invited to attend.
We hope to see you there!