Since the Harwich congregation is in a season of ending and new beginning, it may be helpful to review how Jesus said goodbye, which he did on two occasions, at the Last Supper and at the Ascension.

One day while we were kibitzing in the Thrift Shop, Don Gould mentioned that he’d just purchased a very nice Joseph Banks suit, worth upwards of $400, for the bargain price of 50 cents. He was grateful but also a little chagrined. Can’t we charge more for a nice suit than 50 cents?

Many of us are inspired by the articulate teenagers from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who have spurred on a determined nation-wide movement insisting on a change to more reasonable, robust gun control laws. Marches For Our Lives took place all across the country on March 24th.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. There will be a service of ashes at 4pm that afternoon. Included will be these words: “I invite you, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditation on God’s Holy word.”

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. There will be a service of ashes at 4pm that afternoon. Included will be these words: “I invite you, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditation on God’s Holy word.”

New Year’s Eve is an occasion for Watch Night Services in some Christian traditions. For John Wesley and early Methodists, it became a time to renew one’s covenant with God, including a review of the past year, serious confession of one’s sins and shortfalls, and intentional commitment to be more faithful in God’s gift of a new year.

Shortly after landing in London, Cindy and I laid eyes on the face of Christmas. It was only October 30, but surely the little one we beheld was the face of Christmas.

Every fall in the life of this congregation we have some sort of emphasis on stewardship, culminating with a Sunday when we formally present our financial- giving intentions for the new year.

Churches like Harwich UMC can make a difference! Over the years there have been countless instances of missional outreach, as well as situations when the congregation has coordinated hands-on-help for members who are sick, grieving or otherwise in need. We’ve witnessed the impact of the Thrift Shop’s mission supporting Cape Cod non-profit groups like Habitat for Humanity, Recovery Without Walls, CC Times Needy Fund, Food Pantry, and the Cape Cod Center for Women.

Grace is a United Methodist and Episcopal community in Christ co-led by an Episcopal priest and a semi-retired UMC pastor. I attended worship there on July 9, and introduced myself to Rev. Sharon, who was leading that day, as a fellow semi-retired UM pastor (every other week they switch between UM and Episcopal liturgy).