During Advent, we approached Christmas using worship materials from:
“On the Way to Bethlehem,” and we had a time of study based on “On the Way to Bethlehem” by Rob Fuquay

To celebrate my daughter, Nicole’s 50th birthday, the Family went to New Orleans, and I am grateful that The Rev. Dr. David Purdy opened the season of Advent with a service featuring Rome’s influence on the Nativity event.  We then journeyed to Jerusalem, Nazareth, and finally Bethlehem, and on Christmas Eve, we arrived at the Manger. The following week, we remembered the Epiphany to Persia and the World with the Magi.

The Purdys hosted a Christmas Day Pot Luck at the church for a second year, and it was a great hit with many who might have been alone for Christmas. Pam continues to update the “In Loving Memory” tree and has been celebrating birthdays for the month at 1^st Sunday fellowship time.

In January and February, we explored lectionary themes visualized by the Miracle at Cana and the Six Stone Jars Jesus filled with Hope, Healing, Meaning, Vision, and Grace. The Economy of Jesus.

The administrative work of the church often sent me into HR mode as Cindy Farrell-Starbuck’s retirement meant we went through 2 rounds of employment interviews and training. Susan Vaughn Harris was the Fall 2024 Administrative Assistant who prepared the last Church Conference materials, and we celebrate that she received full-time employment with the Cape Cod Times as a journalist in January of 2025. There were several interesting candidates to follow Susan, and on February 24^th, 2025, our current Administrative Assistant, Rebecca Newton, began her time with us.  Rebecca has been a great addition to our Church Family. She has also organized the office and instituted several hoped-for digital realities. We now have a Facebook page that I hope more folk will “friend” us on. Rebecca has also helped with the message board presentations and brought her fiancé to upgrade our YouTube access.

During Lent, we turned our “Face Toward the Cross” and framed the season with an invitation to share Ash Wednesday with Chatham UMC at our church and Good Friday at Chatham UMC. Holy Thursday featured an enactment of the disciples at the Last Supper. Thank you to David Purdy, Don Howell, Carl Johnson, Karl Young, and Hugh Dykens!

Also, many thanks to Marisha Dubiel, who leads our worship with organ and choir music that is inspiring each week!  Bill Bly uses his extensive knowledge to keep our physical church delightfully clean and functioning.

The United Methodist Women had a successful spring fair and plan the fall fair for November 22nd, and Carl Johnson initiated a successful Diaper Drive as soon as we celebrated Easter! The Diaper Drive provided 6600 diapers for the Baby Center serving Cape Cod. The Thrift Shop contributed its pledge to the church budget and its Saturday proceeds. In addition, the Thrift Shop provided funds to community organizations for a total $25,000.00. Many thanks are due to volunteers and Delores Chase, the manager.

We had summer services with several new and returning visitors, usually UMC members vacationing on the Cape. August 3rd, I conducted worship at Chatham’s 8 am Oyster Pond ecumenical setting for the third year.   

During this past year, we had Memorial Services for Joan Stevens and Betty Drews. It was an honor to remember these beloved friends. We also remember with great affection Mary Gould, who died just a few months short of her 100^th birthday. Several of our members have had significant challenges to their health and have been out of their homes during this year. While I was “on vacation,” Bob Alexander had a heart attack at the church on a Sunday morning! I was able to see him at the hospital shortly after he arrived in Hyannis. While I try to visit with people who are receiving care, the faithful attention of the more active members of our congregation for their friends is truly impressive.

My daughter’s family is all doing well. Nicole continues to provide wellness leadership on the North Shore; TJ has spent most of the year in training for the National Guard and as a Medic, and Caelan has finished the associate degree at Bunker Hill and is planning on transferring to finish studies for the Undergraduate Degree. Nicole and Joey celebrated their 5^th Anniversary in Ireland this past Labor Day. My son, Jean-Philippe, continues his work with the Digital Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, and Zoey continues greeting folks on Sunday mornings!

In the Love of the Lord, I am Yours,

Pastor Dianne Carpenter