1:30PM / 3 DATES / FELLOWSHIP ROOM AT FUMC WESTFIELD

Free workshops led by a local family therapist, Nisy Pridgen, that offer parents of preschool and elementary kids a chance to connect with other parents and grow as a person and parent.

Apr 14 Feelings: Managing stress and dealing with emotions
Apr 21 Belonging: Navigating friendships and building community
Apr 28 Just Be: Finding calm in an anxious world

IN PERSON + ONLINE WORSHIP

THURS MAR 28 7PM Holy Thursday
FRI MAR 29 7PM Good Friday
SUN MAR 30 Easter
+ 6:30AM Sunrise service on the lawn with communion
+ 10AM Easter Sunday worship
+ 11AM Brunch and egg hunt for children and families at 11am

BEGINS SUN FEB 18 AT 10AM

This year since Ash Wednesday is Valentine's Day and Easter is the day before April Fool's Day, our theme for Lent is Foolish Love and focuses on the foolish yet life-giving acts of love that Jesus invites us to take.

TUES FEB 13 AT 5:30PM

Join friends at FUMC Westfield for pancakes for dinner on Tuesday, February 13, a tradition inviting celebration and levity before the somberness of Lent begins. Stay tuned for more details!

PALM SUNDAY / SUN MAR 24 AT 1PM

Join us to hear Bobby Jo Valentine in concert on March 24 at 1pm, following our traditional Palm Sunday festivities that morning at 10am and a luncheon following worship at 11am.

About Bobby Jo Valentine & His Music
Bobby Jo’s music exists outside the lines of any genre, but the music’s thoughtful, spirit focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners across all walks of life. The poetic nature and spiritual focus of his stories and songs has resulted in notable awards and a growing, loyal following around the country. He’s found a voice with original, hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life.

SUN FEB 11 / COLLECTING DONATIONS

The annual Souper Bowl of Caring is Sunday, February 11. FUMC youth will support the cause this year by collecting cash donations to purchase ShopRite gift cards for distribution through FUMC’s Parish Fund to help those in need in the community and through Westfield Food Pantry.

FUMC youth will be at the sanctuary doors with their soup pots, after church to gladly accept your donations to this wonderful cause.

Ash Wednesday
WED FEB 14

Mark the beginning of the Lenten season by joining FUMC Westfield for our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm in the sanctuary on February 14. Can’t make the service? Come to the church lobby doors from 8-9am or 4-5pm or to the sanctuary between 12-2pm to receive ashes and a blessing.

MONDAY NIGHTS AT 7PM / BEGINS MON FEB 19

Join us for the Monday Night Lenten Study with our inspiration being Lent in Plain Sight by Jill J. Duffield, every Monday at 7pm, starting February 19 thru March 18. Through the season of Lent we will be looking at ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to Jerusalem: dust, bread, coins, shoes and oil. In each object, we will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus’ final days. Please come as you are. No prep ahead of time is needed. You can purchase the devotional book through the button below. You don't need to attend every week but can pop in when you are free. Contact Pastor Alison (pastoralison@fumcwestfield.org) for more information. 

Perspectives on Rest Series
FEB 4 Psalm 121, We Rest Because God Keeps Us
FEB 11 Luke 13:10-17, We Rest Because God Heals Us

SABBATH REST

On Sunday, we'll be starting a new series on rest as a gift from God. Here is a helpful collection of resources on Sabbath rest that can help get you thinking about rest as part of how you live out your faith.

NEW DATE: FRI JAN 26 AT NOON 

Due to the forecasted snow on Friday and ongoing cold icy conditions, the January Noontimers gathering will be moved forward a week to Friday, January 26. Please let your friends know. 

If you have an idea for a topic for a future Noontimers gathering, please let Pastor Alison know.

SAT JAN 20 AT 5PM / SOCIAL HALL / HOSTED BY THE MEN'S GROUP

All are welcome for a chili cook-off hosted by FUMC's Men's Group. Proceeds benefit our scholarship fund. Music performed by JACKS ACE from Rmc Studios and a Jazz Ensemble from NJ Workshop for the Arts. Additional side dishes and desserts will be provided. Join us for live music, food, friendly competition and fun. Suggested donation is $20 per person (tickets available at the door).

Enter the Chili Cook-Off Contest. To enter your chili into the contests contact Peter Pantalena (ppantal@aol.com) or email the church office (office@fumcwestfield.org) or call 980-233-4211. Snow date of January 27.

BENEFITTING THE FREE MEAL PROGRAM

This year we are having the traditional FUMC Cookie Walk. All proceeds will benefit a Food Insecurity Program in Union County. On Sunday, December 17, cookies will be available for pick up in the Fellowship Room. Arrangements can be made for delivery.

BAKERS WELCOME If you would like to bake and contribute cookies to the Cookie Walk please contact Janet Poland by EMAIL.

PURCHASE INFORMATION Each bag will cost $5 Payment can be made on the day of pickup by cash or check to FUMC or by Venmo to Janet-Poland-1. If you can’t be in Church on Sunday, orders can be e-mailed to Janet Poland by EMAIL.

SUN DEC 17 / DURING 10AM WORSHIP

Come celebrate the story of Christmas! Our children will share the story of Jesus' birth and why it matters. 

PICK UP TAGS ANYTIME / DUE BACK ON DEC 10

This year we are again participating with St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth and Neighborhood Health in Plainfield. 

St Joseph’s is looking for you to purchase a warm top and bottom for the children and a $25 gift card (Visa, American Express or Walmart preferred) for the adults. Children’s gifts should be placed unwrapped, price tags attached, in large Christmas gift bags with the labels stapled to the upper right corner. Gift cards should be placed in envelopes with the labels affixed to the front. 

St Joseph’s also welcomes any other donations of extra Christmas gift bags, tissue passer and smaller items such as toiletries- socks, and winter accessories that will be added to the gift you provide. 

If you prefer not to shop, you can give cash or check and we will do the shopping for you. 

Neighborhood Health would appreciate gift cards. Any amount $25 and over is greatly appreciated. 

The donation tags will be available starting Sunday, November 19. Gifts should be returned to the church by Sunday, December 10. 

Thank you for helping families in Union County this holiday season. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Heifetz.

AVAILABLE SUN DEC 17 BEFORE & AFTER WORSHIP

Heifer is coming Sunday morning December 17 (before and after church).  Can't think of what to get someone for Christmas? How about a donation to Heifer for a flock of honeybees or other items in their name that will help someone in need. For any questions contact Bonny Chopey by email at nchopey@comcast.net.

FRI DEC 8 5:30-6:30PM (RAIN/SNOW DATE DEC 15)

All are welcome to a community bonfire on the front lawn from 5:30-6:30pm, complete with marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Bring a chair or blanket and warm up by the fire, or come inside the sanctuary for quiet reflection and prayer.

SUN DEC 3 AT 2PM 

Come one, Come all to Peri Soldati’s house to make old fashioned Christmas cookies. We will make shortbread form cookies in Christmas shapes and then decorate them with colorful frosting. Event will take place at Peri’s home at 227 Tuttle Parkway on Sunday, December 3 at 2pm. Please RSVP to Peri at 908-337-6307. 

THURS DEC 21 AT 7PM / HOSTED BY HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Join us for the Longest Night Service, hosted by Holy Trinity Church, for a service geared toward addressing the grief in our lives that arises in this season as we miss people we loved and things that used to be.

SUN NOV 19 AT 11AM IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM

Join other parents for a time of support and connection. The purpose is to offer support and connection to parents and share all of the joys and demands that come with parenting. For more information, contact office@fumcwestfield.org. 

CONSIDER LEADING A SMALL GROUP

Advent is the beginning of our church year and a great time to be intentional about connecting. Connie Palmer is helping to organize those who would be willing to lead a one time group event or start an ongoing group. It could be making cookies together, making a craft, inviting a group over for hot chocolate. It could be a book discussion or small group. It could be watching a movie together. You can meet at church, in homes or at the place of your choice. The goal is connection and fellowship. Contact Connie Palmer with your idea via email cqpalmer@yahoo.com

10 EACH / ORDER FORM BELOW

FUMC Westfield T-shirts available for order! Show the community you are connected to FUMC and encourage sowing seeds of grace, love, and joy by wearing these newly designed T-shirts. Please submit your form to the church office. Kids', men's, and women's sizes available. $10/each, subsidized by a gift from a donor. Payment can be made by check (made out to FUMC Westfield), cash, or online by clicking "Other" and entering "T shirt." Shirts will be ordered in batches between now and November.

HOSTED BY THE FUMC SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

FUMC Westfield’s Social Justice committee is hosting a series of podcasts to bring awareness on key justice issues and to encourage others to get involved in Social Justice causes. The first podcast hosted by Rodney Ross focuses on homelessness and affordable housing with special guest Geleen G. Donovan, Executive Director of Family Promise. We're excited about the new podcast and we look forward to many more compelling podcasts coming soon!

TUESDAYS IN OCTOBER AT 9AM
Come for support and connection. Join us Tuesdays in October at 9am plus first Sundays of the month at 11am in the Fellowship Room. The purpose is to offer support and connection to moms of babies and preschoolers with all the joys and demands that come with young children. More? Contact office@fumcwestfield.org.