Category Archives: Sermons and Music

Sermons and Music, This Week and Beyond at WFC

January 10, 2021

This Week and Beyond at WFC

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

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Share the Warmth With Neighbors in Need – Beginning January 1st and running through the end of January we will once again be collecting new hats, mittens, socks, scarves & neckwarmers for all ages to be distributed to clients at the Williston Community Food Shelf. Collection boxes are located at the back entrance to the church and at the Williston Fire Station. If you have any questions contact Carol Bouchard 862-7400 or carolcbouchard@gmail.com Sponsored by the Vitality Team.

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Youth group online gathering 

The Williston Federated Youth Group (aimed at those in the 6th through 12th grades) gathers each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Email Ashley at WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com for the link to this “virtual” time of connection.    

~~~~~~~~~~

Virtual Bulletin Board

We are happy to share that we have created a virtual Bulletin Board for announcements and sign ups that will be accessible through our website. We have also created a tutorial video to guide you through using the bulletin board. Both the tutorial and bulletin board can be found on our website. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Dismas House Dinners

Dismas House Dinners

Our next opportunity to plan, prepare and deliver a meal to residents, volunteers and staff of Dismas House in Burlington, is coming up soon: January 19, 2021.

Sara Moran has kindly offered a (delicious sounding) side salad, thank you in advance to Sara.

If you are so moved to contribute to the “meal in process”, please contact Peet Grobler at: 📲: (802)881-9007 or 📧: peetgrobler@aol.com.

Thank you for considering.

Your Missions and Social Concerns Committee.


~~~~~~~~~~~~

January-March Class on Small Groups

   Through-out Christian history small groups have been effective ways to help people grow in their faith.  Would you like to experience what makes small groups effective, why they were key to the early Methodist movement and how we can offer effective small groups today?

   Retired UMC elder Kim Hornung-Marcy will be teaching a Zoom class on this topic starting the week of Jan. 10th and running 10 weeks through the week of March 14th. We will determine the hour and a half class dates/times based on what works for students. To learn more email Kim at:  khmarcy@comcast.net  or phone her at 802-651-0803.  Kim is happy to coach you on using Zoom with your computer or phone. It is easy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday morning prayer: On Thursday morning, January 14, at9am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.   The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.   Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700. 

December 20, 2020

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

~~~~~~~~~~

WFC Lights the Way 

Borrowing on the Governor’s initiative as well as the town’s to literally brighten this holiday season, we are inviting the community to submit photos of their Christmas lights. The photos will be compiled into a slideshow for us to display on our Facebook page, website and during worship to highlight the hope, joy and light that is alive in our community.  To submit your photos, please go to the church website http://www.steeple.org/wfc-lights-the-way/  If you have questions or need help uploading your photos, contact Heather Lewis, hmlewis06@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Vitality Team,

~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Eve Sing Along

Everyone is invited to sing Christmas carols together on Christmas Eve.  Martin is putting together virtual choir/congregation presentations of many of the carols to be sung in the Christmas Eve service.  The process involves each participant recording themselves singing the carols using a PC or a Mac computer while listening to pre-recorded accompaniment with earbuds or headphones.  If you can Zoom on your PC or Mac then you can do this.  The PC/Mac records video and audio which will be used to create a composite video of all participants singing together (at least together in the video).  If this is something that you might like to do, please send Martin an email at mhainvt@gmail.com and he will send you more detailed instructions.  The deadline for submissions is the end of the day on Sunday, 12/20.  Everyone is invited to contribute, young or old and in between.  The more participants, the better. 

PLEASE CLICK ON PDF BELOW IN ORDER TO PRINT THIS YEARS ADVENT CALENDAR.      2020adventcalendar.pdf

Concluding our Advent Stewardship Campaign

What a wonderful Advent we have enjoyed, if only virtually. The children’s pageant last Sunday was a real highlight for all!

 Our Advent video (which can be viewed again on the web site) highlights the incredibly important work Williston Federated Church has carried out during the pandemic. As the vaccines begin to arrive, we look forward to a time when we can again engage in our vital church activities— worship, service, education, fellowship…. in-person! To do so, we continue to “Prepare the Way…” through our financial gifts in support of all of the church’s many ministries.

 Many thanks to those who have given (by check or online) and have pledged an additional amount for the first half of 2021. If you haven’t yet returned your commitment card to Barb Bristol c/o the church office, please do so.  Your gifts paved the way for the amazing ministry we carried out during the pandemic—and your additional gifts will prepare the way for what God can accomplish through us in the future.

 Thank you, thank you!

Your Stewardship and Finance Team

~~~~~~~~~~

The Covid Giving Tree!           


In the time of the pandemic, our annual Giving Tree took on a different look. But the generosity and response of the congregation remained just as strong. 84 gift cards for 42 children were delivered to ten families at Williston Central School on Tuesday morning. We are so grateful for the participation of everyone and the hard work of the Missions Committee. Thank you so very much for making this a Merry Christmas for so many in our community

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I’ve included updated instructions for making recordings to be used in our virtual Christmas carol sing alongs on Christmas Eve.  Let me know if if have any questions or problems.

Remember your submissions need to be completed by the end of the day on 12/20 of you want to be included.

Martin                                            Instructions for Making SongAlong Recordings.pdf

.~~~~~~~~~~

It’s beginning to look a a lot like Christmas!! We’ve been waiting…..waiting for the election results to finalized ….waiting for a COVID vaccine…..waiting for life to get back to “normal”.  Advent is a time of waiting.  And God does not disappoint! To celebrate the season of “Emmanuel” the Music & Worship Committee is decorating the outside of the church. Although we won’t be together inside, we are also blessed that Ursula, again this year, is decorating our Advent Wreath, which you will see virtually during worship.  Celebrate with us!

~~~~~~~~~~

Youth group online gathering 

The Williston Federated Youth Group (aimed at those in the 6th through 12th grades) gathers each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Email Ashley at WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com for the link to this “virtual” time of connection.    

~~~~~~~~~~

Virtual Bulletin Board

We are happy to share that we have created a virtual Bulletin Board for announcements and sign ups that will be accessible through our website. We have also created a tutorial video to guide you through using the bulletin board. Both the tutorial and bulletin board can be found on our website. 

Access to church building – please note NEW INFORMATION

Access to the church to building is now allowed subject to the requirements listed in “Opening the Church Building for Prayer, Group Meetings and Limited Special Services”.  If you would like a copy of this document, please contact Martin Hain at mhainvt@gmail.com.  All visits to the building must be scheduled and approved in advance.  You can schedule a visit by contacting Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544 or stolat36@gmail.com, Martin Hain at 802-598-6611 or mhainvt@gmail.com, or Mike Moran at 802-343-9427 or mpmoran1a@yahoo.com.  All people entering the building must wear a face mask and must social distance.  Please see the document listed above for other requirements.

Remember that the building is closed but the Church is open, carrying out ministry in support of God’s work in the world.

Thursday morning prayer: This Thursday morning at 9am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.   The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.   Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dismas House Dinners

A meal was delivered to Dismas House on December 15, 2020.
Thank you Rebecca Dubois and Jane Stickney for contributing so generously so that a meal could be served to the residents, staff and volunteers at Dismas House.

Thank you to one and all who contributed, in the spirit of giving, this past year. Without you, the outreach to Dismas House could not occur.

The Assistant House Director at Dismas House in Burlington, who has served in this position for the past 7 months, Liv Townsend, will be leaving the post by the end of 2020. We wish her well and thank her for assisting us to navigate our meal dates with Dismas House. She will be missed.

2021 is just around the corner. Speaking of, the next opportunity for us to provide and deliver a meal to Dismas House, will be on January 19th 2021; more about this date later.
Questions? Contact Peet Grobler: 📲: (802 881-9007; 📧: peetgrobler@aol.com
Peace and Grace,
Merry Christmas
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you one and all for your support of our Giving Tree.  There are only a few more slots to fill. If you have not yet signed up for a child, now is your opportunity: The Giving Tree

Remember we need to deliver the gift cards to Williston Central School by December 14 so our families will have time to shop for their children. 

So please remember to pop those cards in the mail and send them to: Williston Federated Church, Attention: Carol Wyatt, 44 North Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495.

If you have any questions or difficulties with the process, please contact:

Carol Wyatt@brucecarol@gmail.com, 802-876-7950.

We are incredible grateful for your generosity and abundant spirit.  Merry Christmas from the Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January-March Class on Small Groups

   Through-out Christian history small groups have been effective ways to help people grow in their faith.  Would you like to experience what makes small groups effective, why they were key to the early Methodist movement and how we can offer effective small groups today?

   Retired UMC elder Kim Hornung-Marcy will be teaching a Zoom class on this topic starting the week of Jan. 10th and running 10 weeks through the week of March 14th. We will determine the hour and a half class dates/times based on what works for students. To learn more email Kim at:  khmarcy@comcast.net  or phone her at 802-651-0803.  Kim is happy to coach you on using Zoom with your computer or phone. It is easy.

December 13, 2020

This Week and Beyond at WFC

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

APPRECIATION – HEART FELT THANK YOU.

It is often said that the only difference between the Methodists and the Congregationalists is the quality of their cooking.   However, there was no difference recognized by the Skiffs upon the receipt of many meals during this time when we are bowed in sadness by the death of our blond, blue-eyed grandson.

The tenderness and warmth showed through every single dish and left us with a very deep broken-hearted appreciation of those ties which bind us together.  We offer enduring thanks to all.   Bill and Ruth Skiff

~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Eve Sing Along

Everyone is invited to sing Christmas carols together on Christmas Eve.  Martin is putting together virtual choir/congregation presentations of many of the carols to be sung in the Christmas Eve service.  The process involves each participant recording themselves singing the carols using a PC or a Mac computer while listening to pre-recorded accompaniment with earbuds or headphones.  If you can Zoom on your PC or Mac then you can do this.  The PC/Mac records video and audio which will be used to create a composite video of all participants singing together (at least together in the video).  If this is something that you might like to do, please send Martin an email at mhainvt@gmail.com and he will send you more detailed instructions.  The deadline for submissions is the end of the day on Sunday, 12/20.  Everyone is invited to contribute, young or old and in between.  The more participants, the better. 

PLEASE CLICK ON PDF BELOW IN ORDER TO PRINT THIS YEARS ADVENT CALENDAR.      2020adventcalendar.pdf

Christmas Pageant 2020          

Narrator – Cody Potter

Flute – Jake Potter

Readers – Delainey LeBlanc, Robert Nesbit, Lauren Vaughan, Will Wannop, Tory Wannop

Joseph – JJ Garcia

Innkeepers – David Nesbit, Henri Rousseau, Jonah Wayman

Mary – Lucy McCoy

Barn Animals – Leo Flamini, Trevor Lewis, Ruby McCoy, Henri Rousseau, Posey Wannop

Angels – Daniella D’Agnostino, Mika Flamini, Heather Rivera

Shepherds – Andy Meisenzahl, Charlie Meisenzahl, Martin Rivera, Sebby Wayman

Kings – Luca D’Agnostino, Ezra Dickin, Connor Lewis

Donkey – Max Flamini

Special appearance by Dylan LeBlanc

Thank you to Susan Lamb, Heather Lewis, Charlie Magill, Jenny Rousseau, Pastor Paul, The WFC Youth and Sunday School Kids and their families for making this year’s Christmas pageant possible!

~~~~~~~~~~

Giving Tree reminder!

Thank you one and all for your support of our Giving Tree.  We have received most of the gift cards, but there are still a few out there.  We need to deliver the gift cards to Williston Central School early next week.  So if you have not yet mailed them, please contact Carol Wyatt: brucecarol@gmail.com, 802-876-7950, 971-241-8489 and we can make some arrangement to get them.

~~~~~~~~~~

PREPARE THE WAY… Our Advent Stewardship program continues!

Who? All of us who value the mission and ministries of Williston Federated Church.

What?  A drive to secure the funds to fulfill church programs and outreach through June 30, 2021.

When? Through Advent, and to the end of December.

Where? From the comfort of our own homes.

Why? Because we cherish Williston Federated Church and all it does for our families, our community, and the wider world.

How? See the  information in the bulletin under “Offertory” for details on how to give. Letters will also be sent to members and friends next week. If you don’t receive one, contact Barb Bristol, Financial Secretary, at fbbristol@gmail.com.

Please join us today with a new gift commitment to support the church’s critically important mission as we work harder than ever in preparing the way towards greater acceptance, understanding and unity in our lives and in our world. And know that your contribution has a direct and deeply meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~

A GoFundMe Page has been started for Eric & Sylvia Love, community members & former WFC members. Eric fell in the road last week and re injured his brain. A gofundme page has been started to help this family with ongoing medical expenses and lost income.

It’s beginning to look a a lot like Christmas!! We’ve been waiting…..waiting for the election results to finalized ….waiting for a COVID vaccine…..waiting for life to get back to “normal”.  Advent is a time of waiting.  And God does not disappoint! To celebrate the season of “Emmanuel” the Music & Worship Committee is decorating the outside of the church. Although we won’t be together inside, we are also blessed that Ursula, again this year, is decorating our Advent Wreath, which you will see virtually during worship.  Celebrate with us!

~~~~~~~~~~

Youth group online gathering 

The Williston Federated Youth Group (aimed at those in the 6th through 12th grades) gathers each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Email Ashley at WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com for the link to this “virtual” time of connection.    

~~~~~~~~~~

Virtual Bulletin Board

We are happy to share that we have created a virtual Bulletin Board for announcements and sign ups that will be accessible through our website. We have also created a tutorial video to guide you through using the bulletin board. Both the tutorial and bulletin board can be found on our website. 

Access to church building – please note NEW INFORMATION

Access to the church to building is now allowed subject to the requirements listed in “Opening the Church Building for Prayer, Group Meetings and Limited Special Services”.  If you would like a copy of this document, please contact Martin Hain at mhainvt@gmail.com.  All visits to the building must be scheduled and approved in advance.  You can schedule a visit by contacting Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544 or stolat36@gmail.com, Martin Hain at 802-598-6611 or mhainvt@gmail.com, or Mike Moran at 802-343-9427 or mpmoran1a@yahoo.com.  All people entering the building must wear a face mask and must social distance.  Please see the document listed above for other requirements.

Remember that the building is closed but the Church is open, carrying out ministry in support of God’s work in the world.

Thursday morning prayer: This Thursday morning at 9am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.   The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.   Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dismas House Dinners

Thank you to each and all very Friendly Volunteer Cooks in our community who have contributed so willingly to our longstanding commitment to Dismas House in Burlington, providing a meal to the House, every 3rd Tuesday of the month. We have been fortunate to have had no interruption, thank you again to one and all.

The 3rd Tuesday of December, December 15, 2020, will be the last for this interesting, often strange, year.

We potentially have an offer for the main course of the meal. We are therefore hoping for offers for a vegetable side and a sweet treat to end off the meal.

For more detail regarding this opportunity, please contact Peet Grobler at 📲:(802)881-9007 or 📧: peetgrobler@aol.com.

The first date in 2021 for this monthly event will be January 19, 2021.

Thank you for considering.

Blessings, as we enter the beautiful season of Advent.

Your Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

Thank you one and all for your support of our Giving Tree.  There are only a few more slots to fill. If you have not yet signed up for a child, now is your opportunity: The Giving Tree

Remember we need to deliver the gift cards to Williston Central School by December 14 so our families will have time to shop for their children. 

So please remember to pop those cards in the mail and send them to: Williston Federated Church, Attention: Carol Wyatt, 44 North Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495.

If you have any questions or difficulties with the process, please contact:

Carol Wyatt@brucecarol@gmail.com, 802-876-7950.

We are incredible grateful for your generosity and abundant spirit.  Merry Christmas from the Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January-March Class on Small Groups

   Through-out Christian history small groups have been effective ways to help people grow in their faith.  Would you like to experience what makes small groups effective, why they were key to the early Methodist movement and how we can offer effective small groups today?

   Retired UMC elder Kim Hornung-Marcy will be teaching a Zoom class on this topic starting the week of Jan. 10th and running 10 weeks through the week of March 14th. We will determine the hour and a half class dates/times based on what works for students. To learn more email Kim at:  khmarcy@comcast.net  or phone her at 802-651-0803.  Kim is happy to coach you on using Zoom with your computer or phone. It is easy.

December 6, 2020 This Week and Beyond at WFC

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

A GoFundMe Page has been started for Eric & Sylvia Love, community members & former WFC members. Eric fell in the road last week and re injured his brain. A gofundme page has been started to help this family with ongoing medical expenses and lost income.

It’s beginning to look a a lot like Christmas!! We’ve been waiting…..waiting for the election results to finalized ….waiting for a COVID vaccine…..waiting for life to get back to “normal”.  Advent is a time of waiting.  And God does not disappoint! To celebrate the season of “Emmanuel” the Music & Worship Committee is decorating the outside of the church. Although we won’t be together inside, we are also blessed that Ursula, again this year, is decorating our Advent Wreath, which you will see virtually during worship.  Celebrate with us!

~~~~~~~~~~

Youth group online gathering 

The Williston Federated Youth Group (aimed at those in the 6th through 12th grades) gathers each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Email Ashley at WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com for the link to this “virtual” time of connection.    

~~~~~~~~~~

Virtual Bulletin Board

We are happy to share that we have created a virtual Bulletin Board for announcements and sign ups that will be accessible through our website. We have also created a tutorial video to guide you through using the bulletin board. Both the tutorial and bulletin board can be found on our website. 

Prepare the Way…

 Our Advent Stewardship program continues!

Who? All of us who value the mission and ministries of Williston Federated Church.

What?  A drive to secure the funds to fulfill church programs and outreach through June 30, 2021.

When? Through Advent, and to the end of December.

Where? From the comfort of our own homes.

Why? Because we cherish Williston Federated Church and all it does for our families, our community, and the wider world.

How? See the  information in the bulletin under “Offertory” for details on how to give. Letters will also be sent to members and friends next week. If you don’t receive one, contact Barb Bristol, Financial Secretary, at fbbristol@gmail.com.

Please join us today with a new gift commitment to support the church’s critically important mission as we work harder than ever in preparing the way towards greater acceptance, understanding and unity in our lives and in our world. And know that your contribution has a direct and deeply meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~

Access to church building – please note NEW INFORMATION

Access to the church to building is now allowed subject to the requirements listed in “Opening the Church Building for Prayer, Group Meetings and Limited Special Services”.  If you would like a copy of this document, please contact Martin Hain at mhainvt@gmail.com.  All visits to the building must be scheduled and approved in advance.  You can schedule a visit by contacting Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544 or stolat36@gmail.com, Martin Hain at 802-598-6611 or mhainvt@gmail.com, or Mike Moran at 802-343-9427 or mpmoran1a@yahoo.com.  All people entering the building must wear a face mask and must social distance.  Please see the document listed above for other requirements.

Remember that the building is closed but the Church is open, carrying out ministry in support of God’s work in the world.

Thursday morning prayer: This Thursday morning at 8am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.   The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.   Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A thank you for Thanksgiving baskets!

The Williston Central School sent the following thank you note:

On behalf of our school counselors and social workers, we would like to thank you for your very generous donation of Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts to help support local children and families this year.  Your generosity and support continue to be a blessing for our families and their children and we are very thankful for all that you do.

This year, we have been able to support more than 34 families from Williston and St. George, and this would not be possible without your generous support.  Thanks again, and we wish all of you a safe and happy new year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dismas House Dinners

Thank you to each and all very Friendly Volunteer Cooks in our community who have contributed so willingly to our longstanding commitment to Dismas House in Burlington, providing a meal to the House, every 3rd Tuesday of the month. We have been fortunate to have had no interruption, thank you again to one and all.

The 3rd Tuesday of December, December 15, 2020, will be the last for this interesting, often strange, year.

We potentially have an offer for the main course of the meal. We are therefore hoping for offers for a vegetable side and a sweet treat to end off the meal.

For more detail regarding this opportunity, please contact Peet Grobler at 📲:(802)881-9007 or 📧: peetgrobler@aol.com.

The first date in 2021 for this monthly event will be January 19, 2021.

Thank you for considering.

Blessings, as we enter the beautiful season of Advent.

Your Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

Thank you one and all for your support of our Giving Tree.  There are only a few more slots to fill. If you have not yet signed up for a child, now is your opportunity: The Giving Tree

Remember we need to deliver the gift cards to Williston Central School by December 14 so our families will have time to shop for their children. 

So please remember to pop those cards in the mail and send them to: Williston Federated Church, Attention: Carol Wyatt, 44 North Williston Road, Williston, VT 05495.

If you have any questions or difficulties with the process, please contact:

Carol Wyatt@brucecarol@gmail.com, 802-876-7950.

We are incredible grateful for your generosity and abundant spirit.  Merry Christmas from the Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – DEC. 13th

There will be a Christmas Pageant this year!  Even though we cannot be together, we are committed to having the children tell the joyous Christmas story in a covid safe way. The format will be a little different, but the message of hope, love, peace and joy will shine through.  Over 18 children will be participating. There will be singing of Christmas carols. Please be sure to “attend” church on December 13 to see this unique, beautiful production!

January-March Class on Small Groups

   Through-out Christian history small groups have been effective ways to help people grow in their faith.  Would you like to experience what makes small groups effective, why they were key to the early Methodist movement and how we can offer effective small groups today?

   Retired UMC elder Kim Hornung-Marcy will be teaching a Zoom class on this topic starting the week of Jan. 10th and running 10 weeks through the week of March 14th. We will determine the hour and a half class dates/times based on what works for students. To learn more email Kim at:  khmarcy@comcast.net  or phone her at 802-651-0803.  Kim is happy to coach you on using Zoom with your computer or phone. It is easy.

PLEASE CLICK ON PDF BELOW IN ORDER TO PRINT THIS YEARS ADVENT CALENDAR.      2020adventcalendar.pdf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

November 29, 2020

This Week and Beyond at WFC

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

Dear Church Family:

Thank you for all the beautiful cards with heartfelt messages and support during this sad time of Bills passing.. It is such a comfort to know your thoughts and prayers are with us.

Our Family remembered Bill by meeting in the church tower room with his beloved clock.  We shared some memories, prayed and rang the bells during the time of Bill’s cremation, also Pastor Paul praying for us from his front porch. For a brief moment the sun came through the clouds.  It was very special.

Thankful, Ursula and Family

~~~~~~~~~~

The arrangement on Pastor’s side table is given in memory of Donna Fellinger’s mother EmmaMay Schmidt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A GoFundMe Page has been started for Eric & Sylvia Love, community members & former WFC members. Eric fell in the road last week and re injured his brain. A gofundme page has been started to help this family with ongoing medical expenses and lost income.

 It’s beginning to look a a lot like Christmas!! We’ve been waiting…..waiting for the election results to finalized ….waiting for a Covid vaccine…..waiting for life to get back to “normal”.  Advent is a time of waiting.  And God does not disappoint! To celebrate the season of “Emmanuel” the Music & Worship Committee is decorating the outside of the church. Although we won’t be together inside, we are also blessed that Ursula, again this year, is decorating our Advent Wreath, which you will see virtually during worship.  Celebrate with us!

~~~~~~~~~~

Youth group online gathering 

The Williston Federated Youth Group (aimed at those in the 6th through 12th grades) gathers each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Email Ashley at WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com for the link to this “virtual” time of connection.    

~~~~~~~~~~

Virtual Bulletin Board

We are happy to share that we have created a virtual Bulletin Board for announcements and sign ups that will be accessible through our website. We have also created a tutorial video to guide you through using the bulletin board. Both the tutorial and bulletin board can be found on our website. 

Prepare the Way…

Our Advent Stewardship program begins today!

Who? All of us who value the mission and ministries of Williston Federated Church.

What?  A drive to secure the funds to fulfill church programs and outreach through June 30, 2021.

When? Through Advent, and to the end of December.

Where? From the comfort of our own homes.

Why? Because we cherish Williston Federated Church and all it does for our families, our community, and the wider world.

How? See the  information in the bulletin under “Offertory” for details on how to give. Letters will also be sent to members and friends next week. If you don’t receive one, contact Barb Bristol, Financial Secretary, at fbbristol@gmail.com.

Please join us today with a new gift commitment to support the church’s critically important mission as we work harder than ever in preparing the way towards greater acceptance, understanding and unity in our lives and in our world. And know that your contribution has a direct and deeply meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Thank you!

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Access to church building – please note NEW INFORMATION

Access to the church to building is now allowed subject to the requirements listed in “Opening the Church Building for Prayer, Group Meetings and Limited Special Services”.  If you would like a copy of this document, please contact Martin Hain at mhainvt@gmail.com.  All visits to the building must be scheduled and approved in advance.  You can schedule a visit by contacting Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544 or stolat36@gmail.com, Martin Hain at 802-598-6611 or mhainvt@gmail.com, or Mike Moran at 802-343-9427 or mpmoran1a@yahoo.com.  All people entering the building must wear a face mask and must social distance.  Please see the document listed above for other requirements.

Remember that the building is closed but the Church is open, carrying out ministry in support of God’s work in the world.

Thursday morning prayer: This Thursday morning at 8am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.   The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.   Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700. 

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Dismas House Dinners

A sincere thank you to Barb Bristol and Jane Stickney for preparing, providing and delivering a nourishing meal to the residents, volunteers and staff at Dismas House in Burlington, this past Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Thank you for your frequent participation in this very meaningful volunteer opportunity.

Now, we have come to December, 2020. There is only one date in 2020 to participate in providing a meal to Dismas House: December 15, 2020. If you feel moved to participate, please contact Peet Grobler at 📲:(802)881-9007 or 📧: peetgrobler@aol.com.

Then we start all over again in 2021. January 19, 2021 will be the first date in the new year for this volunteer opportunity.

Thank you all for considering.

Have a meaningful, albeit different Thanksgiving 2020.

With thanks,

Your Missions and Social Concerns Committee

Giving Tree.  This year our Giving Tree will be quite different than in the past. Instead of gifts colorfully wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree in the hallway outside the sanctuary, we will be collecting gift cards for families at Williston Central School to purchase gifts for their children. Please go to the link provided:

The Giving Tree  and sign up for a specific child.  We encourage you to support brick and mortar area businesses, such as Old Navy, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, Target, Pluto’s Closet, and others when purchasing your gift cards.  Please send your gift card(s) to:

            Williston Federated Church

            Attention Carol Wyatt

            44 North Williston Road

            Williston, VT 05495

Please include your name and the # of the child receiving the gift. The deadline for receiving gift card(s) is December 14. 

If you have any questions or are unable to purchase a card in person but would like to participate, please contact: Carol Wyatt:

brucecarol@gmail.com, 802-876-7950.

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January-March Class on Small Groups

   Through-out Christian history small groups have been effective ways to help people grow in their faith.  Would you like to experience what makes small groups effective, why they were key to the early Methodist movement and how we can offer effective small groups today?

   Retired UMC elder Kim Hornung-Marcy will be teaching a Zoom class on this topic starting the week of Jan. 10th and running 10 weeks through the week of March 14th. We will determine the hour and a half class dates/times based on what works for students. To learn more email Kim at:  khmarcy@comcast.net  or phone her at 802-651-0803.  Kim is happy to coach you on using Zoom with your computer or phone. It is easy.