Announcements

Holy Week & Easter 2026

Aldersgate, North Reading, Tewksbury, and Wilmington United Methodist Churches

Holy Week invites us to walk with Jesus through the final days of his earthly journey — from the joy of Palm Sunday, through the solemn remembrance of the cross, and on to the hope and triumph of Easter morning. We invite you to join us for these meaningful services as we remember Christ’s love, reflect on his sacrifice, and celebrate the promise of the resurrection.

Palm Sunday — March 29

9:00 AM — Tewksbury
10:30 AM — Wilmington

This Sunday, March 29, is Palm Sunday — the beginning of Holy Week. I invite you to join us as we observe all that God has done to express love and hope for the human family.

We remember that Jesus rode into the ancient city of Jerusalem and was hailed with joy. We bless and distribute palms as part of this remembrance. We also reflect on how, within a few days, that sentiment would turn — shouts of joy and hope replaced by cries for his execution.

Holy Thursday — April 2

7:30 PM — Wilmington UMC

"Both pride and shame can mislead us into building our lives on false images rather than trusting God. Join us as we discover who and whose we are."

Good Friday — April 3

3:00 PM — Tewksbury UMC

Service of Shadows: From the Table to the Tomb to Tomorrow's Hope. Join us as we journey with Jesus in an interactive experience honoring the final hours of his life on earth. All are welcome to experience humanity and the holy moments together.

Easter Sunday — April 5

6:30 AM — Sunrise Service at Silver Lake (Scott Ogelsby will bring the Easter message to our community gathering.)
Both of our Congregations will celebrate Easter.
9:00 AM — Tewksbury UMC
10:30 AM — Wilmington UMC

Jesus Christ is alive! We invite you to join us as we celebrate the resurrection and follow where Christ leads.

LIST OF EVENTS

Thursday, March 26
11:00 am, Windsor Place Bible Study
5:00 pm, Sons of Italy Group (Fellowship Hall)
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm, Bell Choir Rehearsal
6:15 pm - 7:30 pm, Girl Scouts Brownie Troop 77155 - Rooms 2-4/2-5
6:30 pm, Gamblers Anonymous Group - Coffee Room 2-7
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Bible Study with Pastor Clement - Octagon Room 2-6
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Choir Rehearsals - Sanctuary

Holy Thursday
Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 pm, Holy Thursday at Wilmington UMC. "Both pride and shame can mislead us into building our lives on false images rather than trusting God. May we discover who and whose we are."

Good Friday
April 3, Good Friday observance in Tewksbury UMC at 3 pm Service of Shadows: From the Table to the Tomb to Tomorrow's Hope. Join us as we journey with Jesus in an interactive experience honoring the final hours of his life on earth. All are welcome to experience humanity and the holy moments
together.

Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 5, the Sunrise Service will be at Silver Lake at 6:30 am. Scott Ogelsby will bring the Easter message to our community gathering.

Both of our Congregations will celebrate Easter, Tewksbury at 9 am. In Wilmington, we will gather at 10:30 am.

Soup and Spirit Suppers
Join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Gather with us each Wednesday of Lent for soup, fellowship, and a brief stand-alone message as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week and Easter. Come to one evening or join us for all.

A Lenten Bible Study opportunity on Zoom:
Lenten Bible Study: "Why Did Jesus Have to Die," by Adam Hamilton. Please join in a multi- church gathering on Zoom to talk about the Biblical meaning of Jesus' death. We will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 from February 25 to April 1. At each gathering, we will watch a short video by Adam Hamilton where he discusses one chapter, and then we will discuss. While we encourage to read the book, this is not mandatory. The videos of Adam Hamilton will provide sufficient background for our conversation. All are welcome. Organized by Pat Oduor (Weston UMC) and Bill Hoch (Woburn UMC).

WORSHIP AT WILMINGTON

Join us for an uplifting worship experience every Sunday at 10:30 AM with Pastor Peter Hey leading us in meaningful worship and inspiring messages. Come together with our community for a time of worship, fellowship, and connection.

If you're unable to attend in person, you can participate online through our YouTube channel and join us live from wherever you are.

Additionally, recorded worship experiences are available anytime on our Services page, allowing you to watch at your convenience.

We look forward to sharing this special time of inspiration and connection with you!

ALTAR FLOWERS

Share special moments and honor loved ones by requesting flowers to enhance our weekly Worship Service.

You can make your request by calling the church office at 978-658-4519 or by emailing your order request to: wilmingtonumcoffice@gmail.com.

Altar flowers are $35.00.

ADULT MINISTRIES

Young Adult Bible Study Series(20s & 30s)
Join us Tuesdays at 6:30 pm at Tewksbury UMC (2335 Main St.) for an overview of Jesus' teachings, led by Bonnie Marden and Scott Ogelsby. All are welcome, whether you're new to Bible study or a seasoned participant.

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY

Studying the Bible is essential to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. This study is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedule. Classes cover the entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation.

Groups meet for 24 weeks, broken down into three sessions, with 3-5 chapters of the Bible to read daily. Weekly sessions last 75 minutes. Video hosts provide approximately 5-minute video insights related to the week's session.

Weekly sessions last 75 minutes. Tuesday evenings 7 -8:30 pm. If the group is agreeable, some sessions may be done remotely. If you have questions, please get in touch with Peter at (603) 568-3997 or Peter.Hey.WUMC@gmail.com.

New Testament II
7 pm Tuesday, April 14th - Tuesday, May 26, 2026

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION

Did you know you are taxed three times on your RMD (required minimum distribution) from the IRA?

First, in your regular federal tax, then as a part of the calculation to determine the portion of your social security benefits subject to tax, and finally, in your state tax return. You can avoid this triple taxation on the portion withdrawn as a QCD (qualified charitable distribution).

The institution holding your IRA will have all the necessary paperwork to help you make QCDs. This may also keep you from moving into a higher tax bracket. I use QCDs for most of our charitable contributions, including our quarterly church pledge payments, allowing us to contribute more than we could otherwise pay.