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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

In the familiar story of Martha and Mary, Jesus invites us to reflect on the tension between activity and attentiveness—between doing and simply being. Martha, busy with many tasks, represents the drive to serve and accomplish—important qualities that can also lead to distraction, worry, and burnout. Mary, in contrast, offers a different posture: she sits at Jesus’ feet in stillness, choosing presence over productivity.

This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to embrace a “holy pause” in the midst of our busy, fast-moving lives. In a culture that often rewards busyness and constant doing, Mary’s example reminds us of the sacred value of slowing down and being present with God. Her quiet choice is not laziness or passivity—it’s described by Jesus as “the better part,” a choice that sustains, nourishes, and cannot be taken away.

Still, we won’t dismiss Martha. Her service flows from love and care. The challenge isn’t choosing one over the other, but learning to hold both: to be rooted in God’s presence so that our doing flows from being—not from anxiety, pressure, or distraction.

This story invites us to ask: What might shift in our lives if we, too, made time to pause, listen, and simply be with Jesus? How might stillness deepen our faith, enrich our service, and bring us closer to the peace and clarity we long for? Join us this Sunday as we reflect on the importance of holy pause—and learn to live with Mary’s spirit in a Martha-paced world.

Luke 10:38-42

July 20, 2025

Pastor Jinyong

Join us in-person at 9:30 or online later in the day

Bring a friend and join the fun!

We'll start with an ice cream sundae bar in the Fellowship Hall and then enjoy several rounds of BINGO! If you joined us for our last bingo and pasta night, you know how much fun we had.

Don't miss your chance for great fellowship and lots of sweet treats!

Bring your pet (or a picture of your pet) for a special door worship service!

Open to people and pets of all faiths. Please bring your own chair, as our service will be held outside the church by the pond. If it rains, the service will move inside the sanctuary, in which case we would ask you to please only bring a picture of your pet instead (watch our website for a weather-related update). Kids, bring a favorite stuffed animal for a special blessing just for you! No Sunday School during this service, but we will have a fun kids' worship bag for kids to enjoy. Bring a friend and don't miss this special service!

This month, NEAC partners with A Long Talk to offer Anti-Racism Activation Experiences

This July, A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth, in conjunction with the New England Conference, is offering four transformative Anti-Racism Activation Experiences to equip United Methodist congregations to move from resolution to action.

These sessions are designed to:

Equip you with the tools and language to disrupt racism in real time
Build courage to speak up with clarity and conviction
Help your community transform discomfort into solidarity
Live out your baptismal vows to resist evil and injustice wherever they appear

First cohort begins July 3! Click here to learn more and register.

Backpack and School Supply Drive

As children in our communities get ready to return to school, let us remember those in need.

Help us to recognize the gift of learning by donating *NEW*backpacks and school supplies. The collection box is placed at the back of the sanctuary.

Donations due by Sunday, August 3

Our donations will be given to The Wish Project in North Chelmsford who distributes newly filled backpacks to children in homeless shelters or low income families in the Merrimack Valley.