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
“Redirecting Fumbling Disciples”
Jesus' disciples fumbled at times as they followed him. They misunderstood who he was, misperceived how he would save the world, and misconceived what kind of Messiah he was going to be. In Mark 10:35, James and John approached Jesus and asked, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” This question came immediately after Jesus’ teaching about his impending death. On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus told them, 'Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him. And after three days, he will rise again' (Mark 10:33-34). It is heartbreaking to see the disciples’ ignorance of their teacher’s fate and their lack of empathy toward the painful death he was about to face.
Yet, Jesus did not condemn or demonize their desires. Instead, he redirected their desires and ambitions toward Kingdom work. When faced with the greedy and ambitious requests of his disciples, Jesus asked them what they wanted him to do for them. James and John replied that they wanted him to grant them seats, one at his right and one at his left. Jesus’ response was firm but gentle: 'You do not know what you are asking.’ He then redirected their desires, asking if they were able to drink the cup he drinks or be baptized with the baptism he receives. The disciples replied, 'We are able.' Later, in his dialogue with all the disciples, Jesus emphasized the importance of servanthood in the work of God’s Kingdom, saying, 'Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all' (Mark 10:43-44).
Jesus’ disciples often 'fumbled' in their faith—whether through mistakes, misperceptions, or misunderstandings—yet Jesus never hesitated to offer them grace and redirection. While the ambitions and desires of James and John, along with those of the other disciples, might seem annoying, Jesus remained 'annoyingly patient,' providing them with opportunities to redirect their lives, commitments, and paths on their journey of discipleship.
Mark 10:35-45
October 20, 2024
Order of Worship
Pastor Jinyong
Special Music: Adult Choir
Join us in-person every Sunday at 9:30 for Worship service or online recording.
Annual Community Harvest Supper
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Join us for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner that you don't have to prepare! Our Annual Community Harvest Supper includes turkey and fixings, vegetables, potatoes and gravy, topped off by assorted homemade pies.
Choose from two seating times: 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm
Tickets available at the door on the day of the dinner:
Adults ($12.00), Children 3-12 ($6.00), and Children Under 3 (Free)
Please show your support by attending and inviting your friends and neighbors. We're building community—all are welcome!
November 3, 2024
Remembering the Faithful Departed
On All Saints’ Day we will remember the people that were saints to us in a video moment.
If you would like a dear friend or loved one to be remembered, please click the button below to provide their name(s). You can also email a photo to be included office@umcw.org.
Please submit by Monday, 28thd.
If you have difficulty with submitting the names below, send to office@umcw.org.
2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
The 2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign has begun and will continue through November 10th.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!