Special Services:
April 9, 2009 – Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. Service:
Maundy is from the Latin “mandatum,” or command to “love one another as I have loved you.” We will have a Christian Seder beginning downstairs in Rauner Hall at 7 p.m., recounting the deliverance of the Israelites, the washing of the feet of the disciples, and ending with communion in the sanctuary.
April 10, 2009 – Good Friday Tenebrae 7 p.m. Service:
The word “tenebrae” comes from the Latin meaning “darkness.” In this dramatic service on Good Friday, all of the lights and candles on the altar are gradually extinguished until the room is in complete darkness. At the moment of darkness, a loud noise occurs symbolizing the death of Jesus.
A prayer vigil will be held throughout the Holy day from 6 a.m. through 3 p.m.
April 12, 2009 – Easter Sunday Sunrise 6 a.m. Service:
A special Sunday Service at the Pootatuck river outdoor sanctuary (down the path behind the church building). Easter breakfast will follow in Rauner Hall following the service.
Regular Sunday Morning Services:
In general, the worship services follow the Revised Common Lectionary and Liturgical Calendar. You can view the Revised Common Lectionary HERE
We have a volunteer staffed nursery for those with small children, which is equipped with a TV so one can watch the service.
The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is held on the first Sunday of each month. The Methodist Church has an “open table,” serving all of God’s children equally. The “intiction method“ is used with grape juice and pita bread; the communicant (you), not the minister, dips the pita/host in the chalice of grape juice.
Sunday Adult Bible Study takes place at 9:00 AM, after the 8 AM service during regular hours or prior to the Worship Service at 8 AM during Summer hours.
Refreshment time, a time for fellowship and to meet and greet, begins immediately after the 10 AM service (9 AM during Summer hours). Please come, meet and learn more about the caring community of the Newtown United Methodist Church.
Regular Sunday Worship Hours:
8 AM Service: generally a smaller service (no children’s education during this time, but there is a nursery).
9 AM Adult Bible study in the library
10 AM Service: generally the largest attendance
Children’s message and “The Mystery Bag” is given during this service.
Children will be dismissed to attend Christian Education in their grade levels. It starts right after the Children’s message during the second service.
