Guilford United Methodist Church happenings

GUILFORD — With so many struggling churches and businesses in our community, it is wonderful to see a ray of sunshine at the Guilford United Methodist Church.

This spring, the church members were told their pastor would be placed in another local church. It was difficult news to accept, however, people rallied together to make sure the church remains open and active. Members have been meeting regularly to take care of church business. The congregation loves its church and is working hard to keep it going. The many people and volunteer hours spent at the church show the determination of this community. The Guilford United Methodist Church has been around for many years and it’s not going anywhere!

The church has always been open to the community, helping with benefit dinners, AA, NA, funerals, receptions, concerts, and blood drives to name a few. What is not seen in this community of determined people is a doubt that the church can and will be full again.

The church invites all to come and worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. The church is not just holding a worship service on Sundays, though. There is a free youth breakfast every Sunday morning from 8:30-9:00 a.m., with youth outreach programs following at 9 a.m. and at 9:30 a.m. coffee and conversation can be enjoyed by adults in the fellowship hall until the worship service begins.

The youth program will include community service projects, all it needs are youth (school age children). Twice a month, the older youth will travel to Hibbard’s Skilled Nursing Center to visit with residents and bring a smile to their faces.

Another service provided at church is the thrift shop, which is second to none! The two volunteers who run the shop are always willing to help out those in need. The thrift shop is open Wednesday and Thursday 1:30-3:00 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday.

The church hosts One World Cafe, a non-profit organization, that provides a free, healthy lunch to the public every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome, and will be humbled by the generosity and love shown by the volunteers.

The month of October will be busy for Guilford United Methodist Church. A Bible study led by Rev. Ann Beach, began Oct. 2 and runs from 7-8 p.m. for six consecutive Tuesdays. This Bible study will be held at the church.

There will be a “Homecoming Weekend” planned for Oct. 20-21. The church members hope the community will join them Saturday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. for a baked bean dinner with many wonderful foods to enjoy. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the church’s mission shares. Sunday, the 21st, after worship, there will be an “Old Home Sunday” luncheon provided by the church with nice hot soup, sandwiches, and dessert. Again, this is open to all who want to join the church during this special weekend event.

October events will conclude on Halloween, with the church holding a “Trunk or Treat” event starting at 4:30 p.m.

Other planned events include hosting the Mt. View Chamber Singers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4. This is such a blessed event to witness. Student singers perform “Carols in the Round” moving around the sanctuary to be close to the audience. This is a beautiful concert and the public is invited to come and enjoy these talented young singers.

The church office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Messages can be left on the church answering machine at 876-3372 or at gumch@myfairpoint.net. The Guilford United Methodist Church is located at 3 School Street in Guilford,

Martell is a proud Guilford United Methodist Church member of 50 years.