Announcements

“Gifts of the Dark Wood” — Lenten Series

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

“Gifts of the Dark Wood” is a worship series designed for Lent based upon Dr. Eric Elnes’ book of the same name. The series invites us on a journey into those darker places in our lives—times when we feel disillusioned, afraid, or lost—and invites us to explore how God’s presence remains with us, providing opportunities for new growth and transformation.

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Ash Wednesday

Where We Find Ourselves

Worship: Wednesday, February 18 — 7:30 PM (Wilmington)
Worship: Friday, February 20 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33

Sometimes, leaving your comfort zone leads to greater self-discovery, and even unexpected challenges can become strong foundations. In this series we reflect on all areas of our lives, including those that feel unstable or like failures—moments where Jesus calls us to deeper understanding and courage.

Weekly Worship Themes

Lent One | The Gift of Uncertainty

Worship: February 22
Discussion: Wed, Feb 25 — 6:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, Feb 27 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11–12

Accepting the journey into the Dark Woods means embracing uncertainty and change, guided by the Holy Spirit. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a problem, we can view it as an opportunity to let go of what we can’t control and live more fully. Lent begins in the Dark Wood, where much can be discovered if we ask ourselves, “Do you want to be made well?”

Lent Two | The Gift of Emptiness (Holy Communion)

Worship: March 1 (Holy Communion)
Discussion: Wed, Mar 4 — 6:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, Mar 6 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: Luke 17:33

Our journey through the Dark Wood teaches us that emptiness can be a gift. Instead of fearing our inner emptiness or worrying about worth, embracing emptiness may allow us to encounter God. During Lent, as we reflect on Jesus’ experience of despair, we also see how God reveals new life beyond pain.

Lent Three | The Gift of Being Thunderstruck

Worship: March 8
Discussion: Wed, Mar 11 — 6:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, Mar 13 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: Job 37:1–5

Thunder and lightning have long symbolized divine communication, with insight often described as a “flash” or “seeing the light.” Storms bring moments of clarity that can guide us in life. Lent encourages us to stay open and reflective, even amid challenges.

Lent Four | The Gift of Getting Lost

Worship: March 15
Discussion: Wed, Mar 18 — 6:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, Mar 20 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3 (selected verses)

Life’s path is often unclear, and we may lose our way. In these moments, paying closer attention can reveal subtle guidance. Lent encourages us to be still and to heighten our awareness.

Lent Five | The Gift of Temptation

Worship: March 22
Discussion: Wed, Mar 25 — 6:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, Mar 27 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16–19

Temptation isn’t just about resisting obvious or minor evils; it’s also about avoiding the urge to mindlessly follow logical “shoulds,” external pressures, or superficial rewards. Instead, trust your intuition and imagination to guide you toward choices that preserve your fulfillment and integrity.

Soup & Spirit (Wilmington)

Wednesdays • 6:30 PM

Soup and Spirit is a beloved tradition at WUMC. Each Wednesday evening at 6:30 we share a simple meal of soups people bring to share, with bread. The soup nourishes our bodies and the conversations deepen our spiritual journeys.

Sign up: in the Narthex or contact the Wilmington UMC Office at 978.658.4519 or WilmingtonUMCoffice@gmail.com.

Tewksbury Discussions

The discussions in Tewksbury happen on Friday mornings in the coffee room at 10:00 AM. We share coffee conversations.

Holy Week & Easter

Palm/Passion Sunday | The Gift of Misfits

Worship: April 29 — Blessing and distribution of the Palms
Scripture: Mark 11:1–11

Reminder: Please confirm this date/time with the church office before publishing.

Holy Week | The Gift of Disappearing

Worship: Thu, April 2 — 7:30 PM (Wilmington) • Fri, April 3 — 10:00 AM (Tewksbury)

Scripture selections for this Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service are dramatized by six characters from the Holy Week story: Mary (friend of Jesus), Simon Peter, Judas, a Roman soldier, Mary (mother of Jesus), and Salome.

Easter | Where We Go from Here

Scripture: Mark 16:1–7

6:00 AM — North Reading Sunrise Service (North Town Common)
6:30 AM — Wilmington Sunrise Service (Silver Lake) with breakfast at WUMC
9:00 AM — Service at Tewksbury UMC
10:30 AM — Service at Wilmington UMC
10:30 AM — Service at Aldersgate Church (North Reading UMC)

LIST OF EVENTS

Thursday, February 26
11:00 am Windsor Place Bible Study
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sons of Italy Group (Fellowship Hall)
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

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. The first event will be held on Wednesday, February 25th.

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.

Session II
New Testament I
7 pm Tuesday, January 6th - Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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.