A note from Pastor Travis 11/20/25
This Sunday is a very important day in the life of our church. We will be holding two important events. The first of these is Pledge Sunday. It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of our pledges to the church. They allow us to project how much money we will have next year to meet our obligations and step out in ministry. I ask everyone to prayerfully consider their pledges for next year and, on Sunday, make a pledge to the church. If you are not able to be in church on Sunday or if you worship online, please send in your pledge card to the church office. If you need a pledge card, please let the office know.
Here is a giving chart to help you consider your pledge for the coming year.
This is a church filled with generous people. Thank you for your faithful giving in the past and for your pledge for the coming year.
Sunday is also Thanksgiving Sunday at church and there are two opportunities to participate. In the morning, we are collecting nonperishable items for the food pantry as part of our worship Service. Then, at 6:00 in the evening, we are participating in the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Trinity Episcopal Church.
Important Events in the Upcoming Weeks:
will be at Temple Beth Shalom.
November 30 – The first Sunday in Advent
December 6 – Home for the Holidays Display
Home For the Holidays in Melrose is Friday, December 5- Sunday, December 7. We are going to be a trolley stop for the event on the 6th. This is a wonderful way to get people into our church. We plan to have the library decorated with nativity creches. We need two things from you. First, we need native creches. Please bring one or two from home that we can use to decorate. We will only need them for that weekend. Second, we need volunteers to be at the church during the event. If you can help with both/either of these, please email the church office, fumc@fumcmelrose.com.
December 7 – Hanging of the Greens. Join us for the 10:00 service as we bless the decorations of the church for Advent and Christmas. If you worship with us online, this may be a Sunday when you want to be in person.
December 14 – Christmas Pageant. Join us for the 10:00 service as the children lead us in worship.
December 14 – Family movie. There will be a family Christmas Movie for the Sunday School kids in the afternoon. More details to come!
December 14 – Christmas Decoration Event at Rolling Ridge 2:00. Christmas at Rolling Ridge – This Grand Georgian Manor will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with staff, family, and friends adorning bedrooms, meeting spaces, and the grounds in holiday splendor. Christmas at Rolling Ridge is one sure way to prepare you and your family for the holidays! All ages are welcome to enjoy and explore. You can* Stroll through beautifully decorated rooms at your own pace, Cast your vote for your favorite bedroom and meeting space, enjoy complimentary hot cider, hot chocolate, hot drinks, and freshly baked Christmas treats after your self-guided tour of the house and the grounds. Admission is $15 each. If you would like to attend, please let Pastor Travis know.
December 21 – Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 24 – Christmas Eve Choir – Our Christmas Eve celebration will begin with music! We are inviting you to join the Christmas Eve Choir, which will sing prior to the Christmas Eve Service from 5:30-6 p.m. and participate in the Christmas Eve Service at 6:00. If you would like to participate, please let Rachel know. Everyone is invited to join in the fun!
December 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Join us on Christmas Eve at 5:30 for our annual Christmas Concert, followed by our Christmas Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service at 6:00.
Peace and Grace,
Pastor Travis
Church Office Hours November-December
Our church administrator, Margo, will be out of the office recovering from surgery for about the next 4-6 weeks.
During this time, we are incredibly grateful for the remarkable spirit of fellowship that embodies First United Methodist Church, as many of our dedicated members have graciously volunteered to step in and support the office in Margo’s absence.
To ensure everyone can stay connected and engaged, we kindly ask that you call the office before visiting, as our office hours will vary during this transitional period.
781-662-7060