This coming Saturday the United Methodist Foundation of New England will be joining us to present their workshop on "Faith and Money." This workshop will address issues of investment, endowments, annuities and planned giving.

This goes right along with our fall Stewardship focus on our relationship to our money. Recently we've been considering the ways we use our money and how these uses reflect our faith. Instead of just talking about giving to the church, it is important that we look at our attitudes about money. Our giving should be part of an overall financial plan. Do we suffer from affluenza or credititis? Do we buy things we don't need? Do we spend more than we have? Are we content or discontent with our financial situation?

Everyone is welcome to attend this educational event. The United Methodist Foundation of New England is a wonderful resource for financial planning and management. Both individuals and the church can benefit from some of their investment options. We will meet in the sanctuary on Saturday, December 5th at 10:00am. Hope to see you there!

Our Faith UMC Holiday Bazaar was a great success and fun as well! There were delicious baked goods, handmade crafts, books, candy, and 'White Elephant' items. As you can see from the picture, I really enjoyed the cookie table ~ perhaps a little too much!

Thanks to everyone who volunteered, baked, organized and shopped!

This is Part II of our Stewardship Reflections. These questions go along with the sermon preached on November 15. (Read or listen on the 'Pastor's Message' page.) You are invited to share your thoughts in the comments!

According to Hebrews 13:5-6, what is both our motivation and empowerment for being content with what we have? What effect does contentment have on our outlook and attitude?

Read Luke 12:15. How are these words of Jesus contrary to the message of the world? What steps can you take to "be on guard" against materialism and greed in your everyday life?

Read Ecclesiastes 2:10-11. What things and pleasures to which you devote your time, energy, and money are "vanity and a chasing after wind?" Pray, asking God to reveal any changes you need to make in these areas.

Review the four keys to cultivating contentment. Which one is most challenging for you?

Make a list of all the things you are grateful for, and offer your thanks to God. Keep this list handy and refer to it often. Add additional blessings as you think of them.

What are some practical ways you can reduce your personal consumption and the production of waste in your life? What are three tangible goals you can set?

Are there major changes you can make related to your activities, job, home, car, or other possessions that would allow you to simplify your life? What is one significant change you will strive to make in the coming year?

What do you and your family enjoy doing for entertainment? How much money do you generally spend on these activities? What are some simple, low-cost entertainment ideas you might try instead? Choose one and make plans to try it in the next week or two.

Have you ever had one of those weeks when it just didn't seem like you could catch up? The past TWO weeks have been like that for me! Last week I was busy preparing for the New England Conference School of Congregational Development ACT2:42 event. As the head of the Worship Team, I enjoyed working with preachers, planning liturgy and designing worship with my Team. After returning last Saturday, I had the joy of attending Sunday School while Bonnie Machia gave the inspiring message. (Read or listen to it on the Message Archive page.)

This past week, I'm not sure what happened. Perhaps it was recovering from my previous busy week. Perhaps it was the mid-fall slump when the days seem so short and the nights so long. Whatever the case, life just seemed to pass me by so quickly. In spite of it all, though, I praise God for the many blessings of each day.... Good Friends.... Nourishing Food.... An Active and Vital Community of Faith.

When your days get busy, don't forget to give thanks even for the little things. In fact, I'd love to hear about some of those things you are thankful for right here! Share in the comments!