Ministry Team

Our Pastor : Reverend Alecia Reeves-Freeman

April 2018

     Christians throughout history have looked forward to the resurrection after a tedious and tasteless Good Friday experience. Some Christians would like to bypass the Lenten journey by intention or omission and arrive at Easter but the resurrection is the highest point in the development of the crucifixion story.

     The truth is, there can be no Easter without a Good Friday and we cannot arrive without travelling the Lenten journey. Therefore, when we travel and arrive at Easter, we can boldly say that “Jesus Christ is Risen!” as we remember those persons who have witnessed to their faith in the midst of persecution and suffering. We can also claim that we serve a risen Christ as we remain God’s presence in the world.

     So, why is the resurrection important?  Is it because of the promises for humanity? Well, the celebration of the resurrection has continued for centuries despite all the concerted efforts to disprove it. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is important because it has withstood the scrutiny of all investigations. That is, many professors of history and archeology who have set out to disprove the fact of the resurrection have left with the clear testimony that history is an ally of the resurrection.

     As we rejoice in the resurrection, let us think about it this way; Jesus was dead, was buried, and is risen from the dead! Alleluia! Yes, Jesus Christ is Risen indeed! Hence, if Christ can rise from the dead, we can trust Christ with all circumstances of our lives. We can further understand what the Apostle Paul meant when he said that he wanted to know the power of the resurrection. For me, it means that the power is the hope and destiny of all who have faith in Jesus Christ. That power still exists today within each of us and among us. And that power is larger and greater than any power in the world.
  
  With Much Love & Blessings,  Happy Easter!

                                  Pastor Alecia
 
Fisk UM Discipleship/Prospective & New members class.
Join Pastor Alecia for a light, informative and heartwarming study & discussion on how we belong, what we believe, how we live, and the unlimited possibilities for growth as we travel the journey together as a United Methodist. Therefore, if you have not yet connected as a full member of Fisk, you may attend the four Saturday sessions on March 31, April 7, 14 & 21 from 10-11 AM in the Women’s parlor. If you have already join Fisk, you may also attend to renew, remember or reflect on your membership at Fisk. 
 

 
If you would like to contact Pastor Alecia, simply click on the appropriate button.

Minister of Music : John T. Bybee II

 John earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Organ from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Throughout his life, he has followed a calling to a vocation in music ministry, serving Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian, Baptist and Lutheran churches as organist, pianist and music director. An accomplished worship organist, he has considerable expertise in blending classical, traditional, praise, contemporary, jazz and gospel music styles. He is creative, enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate, taking to heart the scripture “Sing unto the Lord a new song,” inspiring and leading the congregation to sing her song. He is dedicated to creating a vibrant music ministry through servant leadership.

John provides organist services for weddings and funerals  throughout New England; he is also a church organ consultant, and offers private instruction in piano and organ. In addition, he enjoys an “encore” career as a Life and Leadership Coach, creating lives of significance through intentional living.

John is an avid reader of nonfiction with emphasis on issues of leadership, theology, current events and wellness, and embraces vegan and minimalist lifestyles. When not creating beautiful music or coaching clients, John may be found exploring New England, taking advantage of Boston cultural events and
enjoying friendships.

Professional memberships include the Boston chapter of The American Guild of Organists, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, The United Church of Christ Musicians National Network, and The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.

John may be reached via email at fiskmusicministry@gmail.com

Trumpeter-in-residence : Danny Venora
Danny joined our growing Music Ministry in September 2016 as we strive to build and enhance a more vibrant worship experience.
Danny hails from West Hartford, CT and is a recent
graduate of the Yale School of Music, where he earned
his Master’s degree in trumpet performance. He
obtained his Bachelor’s degree in music education and
trumpet performance from the Ithaca College
School of Music in 2013. While a student, Danny performed with the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble and Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and the Yale Philharmonic.
He is also a past winner of the International Trumpet
Guild Scholarship Competition, and a former member
of the Ithaca College Trumpet Ensemble, which placed
fourth at the National Trumpet Competition in 2013.
Danny has performed as principal trumpet with the
Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra in northern PA,
with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra in Ithaca, NY, and
with the Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra in
Hartford, CT. In summer 2015, he was a Norfolk
Chamber Music Festival fellow with Brickhaus Brass, a
brass quintet formed at the Yale School of Music.
Danny is currently employed by the S. E. Shires
Company, which produces and sells some of the
worlds finest trumpets and trombones. Danny moved
to Natick, MA this past July. When not working or
practicing, he enjoys playing chess and attending live
music performances. He is a lifelong baseball and soccer fan

Youth Fellowship Leaders : Bingxin Xu and Tian Zhang

Our youth are busy - with mission work, fun and fellowship activities and growing in faith.  Youth Fellowship meets most weeks - either after worship for lunch, fellowship and a program or for a specific special event at another time.  See the calendar for the complete schedule and check our our MYF page for pictures and more information. 

Bingxin Xu received his master of science degree from Cornell University and moved to Natick, with his wife Tian Zhang, right after his graduation in 2012. They feel blessed to settle down in Natick and Fisk Church, and felt called to be Fisk's Youth Fellowship Leaders in 2015. They are looking forward to leading and growing up along with the youth.

Bingxin and Tian may be reached via email : fiskyouth@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant: Joanne Fitzgerald

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Our church office is open on Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 1pm, September through June.  If you call the office (508)653-1674 or email fiskoffice@fiskumc.org, Joanne will be the person who answers your call or responds to your email.  She is the welcome face when you stop by, always quick to help and certainly helps our busy congregation stay connected and informed.

Rev. Cheryln Gates

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Rev. Gates is a Deacon in full connection in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, with certification in the area of spiritual formation. Her primary appointment is to the Order of Deacon, offering leadership and direction to deacons, diaconal ministers and deaconesses in the Conference as well as many inquiring and provisional deacons. Rev. Gates’ secondary appointment is to Fisk Memorial UMC in Natick, MA. Her years of local church ministry include preaching, teaching, children’s choir and retreat leadership. 

Other work in the New England Conference includes Annual Conference worship visuals and liturgical design, Eucharistic minister, the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Spiritual Formation Initiative work group.

Her interests include membership in the Order of Saint Luke, theology of the mystics, visual/fabric arts, native flute playing, Native American spirituality and genealogical research, as well as authoring several hymns and poetic reflections.

Cheryln's Blog