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
Imagining a Different Future
Abraham Joshua Heschel, in his book The Prophets, writes: “They [the prophets] did not care for time. But a prophet has a responsibility for the moment, an openness to what the moment reveals. He is a person who knows what time it is” Heschel provides profound insight into the role of prophets as those uniquely attuned to the present moment, emphasizing their responsibility to discern and act in accordance with God’s will. He highlights that the prophets’ sensitivity to the context and urgency of their times was vital, as they were called by God to address specific circumstances, places, and realities.
In Luke 3:2-4, we encounter John the Baptist, a prophet deeply attuned to the urgency of his time and the divine call upon his life: "During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah." This passage emphasizes John's prophetic role, as he discerned the significance of his moment in history and responded with courage and conviction. Guided by divine insight, he called people to repentance and prepared the way for the Messiah, as it was written in the book of Isaiah: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth….’”
Inspired by Isaiah’s imagery, John envisioned a “different and transformative future,” where divine hands would level the valleys and bring the mountains low, offering a glimpse of God’s redemptive work. The Advent season invites us to walk with John, who imagined a different future while living in his time, teaching the truth of faith that those who cannot envision a different future will not step into a life of transformation and renewal. John’s task, as he proclaimed the message of repentance and renewal, was to reframe our present and future in alignment with God’s will and anticipation. To repent is to turn and envision the future as God sees it. May this Advent season be a time for envisioning our future in a way that is both different and transformative.
Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6
December 8,2024
Pastor Jinyong
Special Music: Praise Band
Join us in-person every Sunday at 9:30 for Worship service or online recording.
The “Giving Tree” Mission
Started November 17. There is a tree in at the back of the sanctuary 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.
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.
Poinsettias Sales
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 8
Help decorate the altar for Christmas. The poinsettias will be on display starting Sunday, December 15th. You may pick up your plant after the service on December 22, 24 or 29.
Price per poinsettia plant is $11.00. Choose from red, pink or white.
Fill out an order form and drop it into the offering plate
Print an Order form, pick one up at church, or Order Online
Pay online at "BUY POINSETTIAS" or include cash or check with memo "flowers" with your order form.
Questions? email jane_mazzucotelli
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!